next generation of passenger jets, we decided that it might be safer to collaborate with Boeing. This is another example. One is more successful, the other one not successful.

Question: Japanese firms show great interest in supporting foreign research and apparently only a modest interest in supporting research in the academic institutions at home. Does this indicate some continuing lack of confidence in Japanese research capabilities?

Dr. Kondo: I think that sometimes Japan is criticized for "buying brains" outside of our country. However, we do this because Japanese universities are not so cooperative with industry. As I said before, faculty have not been permitted to accept outside funds. But the situation is now changing. I believe that, in the future, Japanese industry will distribute funds not only outside our country but also inside our country.