Problem Solving as a National Mission of Science and Technology -Opinions on the Fourth Science and Technology Basic Plan

It is reported that the next science and technology basic plan for FY2011-2015 will emphasize the problem solving as a fundamental role of science and technology. Our Federation certainly welcome this attitude of the government because the transdisciplinary science and technology has basically been developed for problem solving. However, there are several critical issues that have to be carefully considered if the problem solving is taken as the national mission of science and technology. We have decided to officially declare our opinions about the next basic plan. The opinions are discussed and summarized by the key members inside the council and finally approved by all the member societies. The final form has been conveyed to the Council for Science and Technology Policy which is responsible for setting up the basic plan. This article explains the background of our opinions, mixed with the individual opinions of the author. Keywords– science and technology basic plan, problem solving, new growth strategy, resource allocation, curiosity-driven research, project-oriented research