Abstract
Highly original scientific and technological research, a prerequisite for Japan's survival, needs a new type of research organizations (Hy-Labos) that allows integration of the different cultures of industrial, governmental and academic research communities. In the context of the global competition in science and technology, realistic, practical reformation of R&D systems are necessary. The Hy-Labo is an experimental organization that provides a research environment without restrictions as in the traditional systems, which will inevitably resist any drastic reform, although such reform is absolutely necessary to realize the principles of the Science and Technology Policy Plan, including: flexible research organizations, mobility of researchers, competitive research environment, strictt evaluations by independent bodies, flexible financing, inter-organizational information exchange, social feedback of research results, incentives for researchers and research institutions, and harmonization of natural sciences with humanities and social sciences. A plan of a Kanto Hy-Labo at Tsukuba city ids under planning, as a sort of "Silicon Valley of Japan", which will carry out the most advanced research projects, promote utilization by the private sector of research fundaments provided by the government, and serve as a symbol of national priority on science to appeal the youth. A similar institution in the Kansai area is also envisaged, which will compete with the Kanto Hy-Labo to activate research activities nationally.
