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Major activities during fiscal 1976 concerning technological research and development were: 1) research and development on and the launching of a geostationary meteorological satellite which is used for surveillance of global meteorological conditions and improvement in the accuracy of weather forecasting (Figure 3-3-1), 2) development of low pollution railways and low pollution motor vehicles for urban use, 3) development of a vessel which is used for development and preservation of energy resources in the sea, 4) research and development on Stirling engine for use in vessels, 5) research and development on earthquake prediction technology, 6) safe transportation of radioactive matter, and 7) subsidized research and development on applications of scientific technology.
In fiscal 1976, the Council for Transport Technics deliberated on the two points: Inquiry No.8, "problems and measures pertaining to upgrading the technology on ship performance improvements and shipbuilding to cope with the recent situational changes"; and Inquiry No.9, "important matters concerned with technology on construction of oceanic structures, and enforcement measures". A report on Inquiry No.9 was issued in June, 1977. The report refers to three kinds of marine structures which have to be developed by the Ministry of Transport: (1) an off-shore artificial island of a reclamation and legged type, 2) large floating-type ocean structures and 3) large ocean structures anchored in the seabed. The report points out important pouts concerned with construction technology, urging the implementation of technological developments.
The research and development activities at the research institutes attached to the Ministry of Transport are generally classified into two categories, i.e., special research and ordinary research. Special research is intended to carry out research themes in close connection with demands for administration. There were 46 research projects in fiscal 1976 concerning traffic safety, pollution control, disaster prevention, modernization of atomic energy ships and vessels, ocean development, port and harbor construction, space development and utilization of atomic energy.
Future issues concerning the technological developments related to transport are as follows: 1) development of technology on pollution control and improvement in safety and reliability, 2) development of technology intended for saving resources and energy, 3) development of ocean, spaced, deep sea and ultra high-speed railways, 4) development of technology concerning earthquake prediction and heavy rain forecasting. Efforts must also be made to promote basic performance studies which are instrumental in nurturing the basic foundations of technological development in the future. Technological developments must also be conducted with due consideration to such aspects as flexibility as well as efficiency.
Finally, it is important to note that the role of technological development activities is very significant in preserving a fulfilling life environment and in maintaining the economic and social evolution. To work all these out well, it is essential to establish a proper structure for those activities in close cooperation between both the public and private sectors.
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