Abstract
In spite of much criticism, the Japanese R&D system still remains rather compartmentalized and suffers from insufficient cross-disciplinary cooperation. This is a major obstacle against fusion of natural science, social science and humanities, a prerequisite for the industry to fulfill the needs in an information-oriented society. Advanced technologies cannot effectively serve the society without integrating known technologies and knowledge in a wide variety of disciplines, not to mention further promotion of fundamental research and new technological developments. Essential research subjects should be identified through collaborative efforts of specialists in technology, natural science, social science and humanities. This will also be an opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises to participate in cooperation with the academic circle.
