Post WWII Japanese Scientific Technological Policies And Their Evolution

Generally, scientific and technological policies are the basic norms of action through which a country tries to implement its scientific and technological programmes at a specific period. They are not only the strategic principles of a country but also indicate the orientation of scientific and technological development of that country. This paper examines post WWII Japan's industrial and technological policies as well as their changes over time. After a relatively detailed study of the process and factors that caused changes in Japan's scientific and technological policies, the author concludes that the whole process can be divided into four stages: Stage No. 1 starts from the end of WWII to 1950s during which the economic restoration-oriented and self-dependent policies were implemented.Stage No. 2 refers to 1960s during which scientific and technological policies aiming at economic growth and expansion of social economic base were pursued.Stage No. 3 refers to 1970s during which scientific and technological policies that are devised to rectify malpractice arising from rapid economic growth and to handle the volatile world situation were followed.Stage No. 4 starts from post 1980s during which scientific and technological policies aiming at strengthening basicresearch so as to build a powerful country by means of scientific and technological development have been implemented. In addition, the author also devoted some space to the study of Japan's R & D situation, major programmes of scientific and technological development as well as relevant laws and hence come up with an analysis of the contents of Japan's scientific and technological policies as well as their impact on Japan's economy, overall national strength and its position in the international competition.