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科学技術戦略 国際競争を勝ち抜くために

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Dec. 21, 2009)
Japan can't afford to trail in intl science, tech race
科学技術戦略 国際競争を勝ち抜くために(12月21日付・読売社説)

Without progress in the fields of science and technology, new industries will stagnate, which may put this nation on the road to decline. How then should the government bolster science and technology--a key source of national strength.
 科学技術の発展がなければ、新たな産業は育たず、日本は衰退への道をたどりかねない。国力の源泉とも言える科学技術を政府は今後、どうもり立ててゆくべきか。

A new strategy on science and technology has been compiled by a committee belonging to the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry and headed by Nobel Chemistry Prize winner Ryoji Noyori, president of the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (Riken).
 ノーベル化学賞受賞者の野依良治・理化学研究所理事長を主査とする文部科学省の委員会が、新たな科学技術戦略をまとめた。

The strategy incorporates measures aimed at promoting effective yet flexible research and development efforts.
 研究開発を、これまでより効率的かつ機動的に推進するための方策を盛り込んでいる。

Such measures should form part of a wider growth strategy, which the administration of Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama is expected to draw up by the end of the year.
 新政権が年内にもまとめるという「成長戦略」に、しっかりと位置づけるべきだ。

As the Government Revitalization Unit--tasked with identifying wasteful government spending--has judged many projects in the fields of science and technology should be scrapped or have their budgets cut, concern has arisen both at home and abroad that Japan no longer has a science and technology strategy. Such concerns should quickly be put to rest.
事業仕分けに大なたを振るったことで、科学技術戦略なき日本、との懸念も国内外にある。それを払拭(ふっしょく)したい。

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Better coordination needed

Under previous government policies, four fields, including life sciences and information and telecommunication, were given priority when compiling budgets. However, the scope of each field was too broad, which meant cooperation among the related ministries and agencies was poorly coordinated. This made it difficult to create an efficient structure for ensuring cooperation among industry, government and academia.
 これまでの政策では、「生命科学」「情報通信」など重点4分野を設けて予算を投じていた。だが分野ごとの範囲が広過ぎたため省庁間の連携が弱く、産官学の協力体制を築くのが難しかった。

It was this failing that impeded development of the nation's next-generation supercomputer--a project that attracted much public attention during the Government Revitalization Unit's budgetary screening process.
 事業仕分けで注目された「次世代スーパーコンピューター」の開発も、そこが弱点だった。

While the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry took the initiative and threw its weight behind the program, the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry, which oversees the electronics industry, has kept its distance.
 文部科学省が主導したので、電子産業を所管する経済産業省は距離を置いていた。

The development of a supercomputer is tied to the development of related fields. However, the ripple effect turned out to be limited as the project created little momentum.
本来なら、関連産業界の振興につながるはずだが波及効果は限定的で、盛り上がりを欠いていた。

As a result, under the latest strategy, the project has had its goals narrowed down to a dozen, with each to be carefully overseen and implemented.
 これを受け、新戦略では、政策課題を十数項目に絞り込み、個別にきめ細かく対応する。

Under the strategy, each selected policy goal will see concerned ministries and agencies as well as certain industry groups closely involved in the process from the initial formulation of strategies through construction and operation of the systems put in place to ensure a successful outcome.
 選定した政策課題ごとに、関係省庁と産業界などが、当初の戦略策定から支援体制の構築、運営まで緊密に関与する。

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Steady investment vital

The new strategy lists possible tasks, including tackling global warming via the development of a highly efficient solar battery and a regenerative medicine project that will see more backing for research into induced pluripotent stem cells--a type of human stem cell that is capable of being developed into various types of human cells.
 課題の候補として、高効率の太陽電池開発などを目指す「地球温暖化」や、新型万能細胞(iPS細胞)の研究強化を含む「再生医療」といった例を挙げている。

The strategy was drawn up with reference to policies adopted by many European nations.
 欧州の政策を参考にした。

The strategy will likely spell out, both its goals and means, and should back research proceed in a flexible manner and in a way that promotes the effective use of budgetary funds.
目標と手段が明確になろう。研究が機動的に進み、予算の効率的な活用にもつながるのではないか。

Obviously, support for fundamental research is essential, as it will help new fields in science and technology to come about.
 むろん、基礎研究分野への支援も大切だ。新たな科学技術の芽を生むきっかけになる。

The problem is funding. The new strategy calls for the allocation of 1 percent of the nation's gross domestic product, about 5 trillion yen, as its related budget. Although there should be room for discussion due to the nation's severe financial situation, there is no question that steady investment is of vital importance.
 問題は資金だ。新戦略は、関連予算に国内総生産(GDP)の1%(約5兆円)を充てる目標を提示している。厳しい財政の下、議論の余地はあるだろうが、着実な投資の重要性は論をまたない。

However, it also goes without saying that wasteful spending should be eradicated on the condition that necessary funding is allocated. To ensure research and development proceed in an effective manner, it is vital to nurture researchers who are knowledgeable in the operation and management of research organizations.
 ただ、予算投入の前提として無駄の排除は当然のことだ。効率的に研究開発を進めるため、研究の組織運用、経営の知識を備えた研究者の育成も大切になる。

As European countries and the United States are already aiming to strengthen their competitiveness in the fields of science and technology by boosting investment, Japan should act promptly.
 欧米も、科学技術への投資を増やして競争力の強化を目指している。日本も対応を急ぎたい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 21, 2009)
(2009年12月21日00時18分 読売新聞)
by kiyoshimat | 2009-12-21 06:17 | 英字新聞

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