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The 75th session of the Council for Science and Technology Policy was held at the Prime Minister's Office on May 19, 2008.
At the session, it was reported that a final report regarding the “Strategy for Technological Innovation” and the “Low Carbon Technology Plan” has been compiled, which Prime Minister Fukuda referred to in his annual policy speech, subsequently issuing instructions to carry forward the examinations thereof at the 73rd session in January. After an exchange of opinions, the draft was approved as it was, and it was determined that the opinions be submitted by the Council for Science and Technology Policy to the Prime Minister and ministers involved. Furthermore, the original plans for the “Intellectual Property Strategy,” “Strategy for Regional Empowerment through Science and Technology,” and “Toward the Reinforcement of Science and Technology Diplomacy” were all approved as drafted and it was determined that opinions voiced thereon be submitted.
In addition to these strategies, examples of production technology of bioalcohol produced from non-food materials consisting of transgenic microorganisms were introduced as technology aimed at contributing to the realization of a post-oil society.
During the session, Prime Minister Fukuda observed that, “The development of science and technology is the driving force of growth. I would like you to carry out policies in accordance with the compiled “Strategy for Technological Innovation,” which is a major pillar of our growth strategy. For that purpose, the Council for Science and Technology Policy should take the initiative to adopt the “Funds for Promoting Innovative Technology” in an effective manner and I am counting on the Minister of Finance and Minister Kishida to conduct thorough discussions so that this strategy may be unequivocally implemented as of the 2009 budget.” Prime Minister Fukuda further stated that, “The Hokkaido Toyako Summit is scheduled for July and one of the major items on the agenda is the climate change. The “Low Carbon Technology Plan” can be a significant guideline and it is Japan’s responsibility to be a pioneer in the area of technological development and international cooperation and we should transfer our achievements to the whole world in a positive manner.” The prime minister further stated that, “Without science and technology, we cannot expect any growth or resolutions of global issues such as global warming. I would therefore appreciate your cooperation in this field.” |
Council for Science and Technology Policy 75th session (May 19, 2008)
