抄録
The science and technology indicators in Japan have been developed as an important infrastructure, along with relevant statistics, for studies of science and technology policy. While this kind of activity in Japan started almost 20 years behind the U.S., the Japanese indicators have realized some unique features, such as the cascade structure designed to provide a general view of science and technology activities of a nation and the development of the General Indicator of Science and Technology. The Japanese indicator development attracted much attention from researchers in OECD and Asian countries. They also influenced the design of science and technology survey, including the revision of the questionnaire, in Japan. However, many problems have yet to be solved. For example, incongruent criteria hinder accurate comparison of the Japanese and American situations, though corrective measures have been taken. While much effort is made for data acquisition, very limited resources are available for maintenance, management and correction of the accumulated data. Furthermore, other infrastructures, including relevant documents and databases, accumulation of case studies, network building for their efficient use, development of methodologies, and education and training of competent staff, are still unsatisfactory. These infrastructures are indispensable .for evidence-based studies and establishment of the science and technology policy, of which the importance should be still better understood in this country.
