Analysis - KEEPING THE TIGERS AT BAY

The Japanese technology industry has been struggling to compete with its neighboring tiger economies and the growing strength of China as a manufacturing base for consumer electronics and computer goods. The Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA), however, is confident that Japan can remain a high-tech powerhouse and take on the neighboring competition. JEITA believes that Japan can do this with innovation and increased spending on research and design in the form of joint ventures between Japanese companies with overseas companies. In addition, the government has also established the Council for Science and Technology Policy in the Cabinet Office, which is tasked to formulate the nation's science and technology policies.