Abstract
The S&T Basic Plan has greatly improved financial and institutional conditions of R&D activities in Japan through its first phase. The purposes of the second phase have also been attained, if not fully. However, the Plan has not been successful in dealing with important issues : "establishment of communication channels between S&T specialists and the public" and "ethics and accountability of S&T activities". A survey by the Cabinet Office shows that, while admitting the necessity of S&T, the public is aware of the importance of mental aspects and quality of life, and wants to get more involved in policy-forming processes. This suggests that experts of humanities and social sciences should join in studies on the S&T policy.
