A question that now confronts producers, distributors, and consumers of information, as well as the manufacturers of information technology and the government is: what is the nature of copyright protection in the Information Age? Congress has a Constitutional mandate to protect the rights of innovators but has refused to act in the case of…

Describes the basic features of three different models of "innovation policy": (1) a model of explicit and institutionalized policy in Europe; (2) one of apparently limited policy affecting mainly the climate of innovation in the United States; and (3) one of implicit action imbedded in other policies in Japan. (Author/JN)

Japan is experiencing the aging of its labor force. Despite the fear that this will have an adverse effect on the economy, studies conducted by management and economists indicate that demographic and retirement system changes are unlikely to lower productivity. (SK)

Points out that one of the most serious problems facing American business is the technical illiteracy of its managers and executives, indicating that few have the skills to solve real-world problems. Comparisons between Japanese and United States executives and their training are provided to illustrate issues considered. (JN)

Japan became a member of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development 20 years ago. The two decades of Japan's partnership with this organization are reviewed. Economic, technological, industrial, and social aspects are considered. (JN)

Developed over centuries, Japan's key strengths are education, management, and training. To emulate Japanese success requires individuals with a missionary commitment to self-development, managers who value coaching and staff development, and organizations that reward managers on their ability to develop staff and maximize organizational learning.…

The participants in this 1994 regional training course examined the issue of book distribution and marketing. They focused on book marketing together with the development of distribution in order to prepare practical action plans for improvement. Twenty-three experts from 20 countries in Asia/Pacific and Africa analyzed problems, exchanged…

Describes Japan's industrial development and science/technology policy. Topics include policies for promoting industries, rationalization policy for industry, catching up with advanced technology, progression from imitation to creative technology, Japan's advantages in technological development, and problems faced by developing countries today.…

An analysis of how the government can and cannot use research and development (R&D) policy to improve the nation's industrial posture suggests four guidelines for federal R&D policy. These guidelines are outlined and discussed. Areas analyzed include federal role; competition from Japan; support for university research, immigration policy,…

Attempts to provide social studies teachers with a more comprehensive understanding of the Japanese economy than can be gleaned from the popular press. Describes the contributions of competitive strategies, technology, capital availability, and education to Japan's economic success. (AEM)

Describes the history of, and research activities and current problems at Tsukuba Science City, Japan's new municipal complex of research laboratories and educational facilities. About 30 percent of Japan's government research laboratories, as well as Tsukuba University, are located in the complex. (JN)

This report provides comparisons of U.S. and Japanese science resources and some initial evidence that Japan is expanding the human and financial resources for science while improving the environment for basic research. The data cover science and technology trends in research and development from 1975 to 1994, as well as more recent changes in…