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Home > Policy > White Paper, Notice, Announcement > White Paper > Annual Report on the Promotion of Science and Technology 2000 > Part1 Chapter3 Section1 1 | ![]() |
Some of the expectations of science and technology called
for in the 21st century are listed below.
The concrete direction of science and technology which should
be tackled at the beginning of the 21st century will be shown in the new Science
and Technology Basic Plan which is currently being reviewed.
{1} The Recycle-oriented Society
In the 21st century, human society will be forced to advance
to a recycling-oriented society which loads little on the environment aiming
at energy saving, resource saving and recycling.
Some steps which must be taken to achieve this goal are outlined
below:
{2} Advanced Telecommunications Society
Advanced telecommunications society achieves teleworking,
distance medical care, and electronic commerce, thereby brings about major reforms
in social and economic activities, while saving resources such as time, space
and energy.
Advances in computer science such as simulation technology
and high-speed calculation technology have made it possible to understand and
forecast complex phenomena such as climate change, and such technology is being
called for from the perspective of providing an appropriate answers to the needs
of mankind.
{3} Life Sciences
There are still unsolved problems, such as cures for incurable
diseases, and in particular there is a need to establish preventative and treatment
methods for cancer and AIDS.
The Human Genome Project goes into the stage of clarifying
the overall image, and there are expectations that great advances will be made
in the 21st century with regard to the development of new pharmaceuticals, gene
diagnosis and customized medical care.
Advances in gene recombination technology and cloning technology
will make it possible to improve production in the agricultural sector, such
as mass production of livestock with good qualities, and increased food production.
The results of life sciences have contributed greatly to these
expectations.
{4} Basic Science
Since research results in basic science satisfy the intellectual
curiosity and inquiring mind, and generate and bring into bloom unanticipated
applications in society, it is desirable that they continue to be generated in
the 21st century as an intellectual asset of all mankind.
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