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Japan Plans To Merge Major Science Bodies

Posted by samzenpus on from the greater-than-the-sum-of-its-parts dept.

ananyo writes "In its battle against a sluggish economy, Japan's government is gearing up to make cost savings through a root-and-branch reform of the country's science system, merging some of its most prominent research organizations. Plans approved by the government's cabinet would consolidate the RIKEN network of basic-research laboratories with the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention (NIED) and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) — the national funding body. But with few details about the timing, potential cost savings or full implications of the change, many researchers are concerned that it could be a recipe for harsh funding cuts and even greater bureaucracy."

3 of 107 comments (clear)

  1. But unlike the West ... by Taco+Cowboy · · Score: 4, Interesting

    ... the Japanese do not need foreigners to buy up their national debt

    Over 90% of their national debt is purchased by the Japanese themselves !

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    Muchas Gracias, Señor Edward Snowden !
  2. Re:Nail in the coffin for Keynesian economics by allcoolnameswheretak · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Maybe Japan has a stagnant economy because like the U.S. or Germany, it already is one of the most developed countries in the world. Perhaps the focus should be on building economies that don't require perpetual growth in order to sustain a high quality of life for all citizens. Perpetual growth is impossible. Even with new technologies and innovation, there are only so many resources on this planet.

  3. Re:They should definitely abolish their 'economics by Mashiki · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Your post makes no sense. First you say they need to stop with Keynesian economics, then you go on about stopping them and their ability to print money. Which is a central keynesian ideal. So which is it?

    Oddly Japan seems to be doing fine after learning from their housing bubble in the 90's, which the US didn't learn from. And you believe japanese unemployment is a problem? At 4.3%? Wait, let me guess, you're the same type of person who believes that when it was the same during Bush's term it was disastrous, but during Obama's 10% it was perfectly okay.

    Give your head a shake.

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    Om, nomnomnom...