In April 2000, the Japanese government established the National Strategy for Industrial Technology in order to identify challenges and solutions for Japanese industrial technology in the twenty-first century. The Second Science and Technology Basic Plan, a five year plan that started in 2001, is a part of this national strategy. According to this plan, a total of approximately $200 billion will be invested in governmental research and development. One of the most significant policies of concern is the prioritization of research and development based on pressing national and social issues in areas such as life science, IT, environment, and nanotechnology and nanomaterials. Nanotechnology is expected to be a.
