Japan no longer distinguishing between military- and civilian-use technologies

A drone gets put through a demonstration flight in Minamisoma, Fukushima Prefecture, on Feb. 20. 

TAKEFUMI KAWAGUCHI, Nikkei staff writer

 

TOKYO -- In a significant development, though with no fanfare, some Japanese universities and public research institutions have begun exploring dual-use technologies.

     Robotics, biotech and other technologies that have both military and civilian applications are being looked at.

     The prestigious University of Tokyo, commonly known as Todai, has even revised its guidelines on scientific research. Regretting its involvement in weapons development during World War II, the university had long since prohibited defense research.

     In fact, many Japanese universities have taken a cautious stance on the military use of their research results since the end of the war.

     But now the government is dangling a carrot in front of them -- funding.

What is dual-use?
When it comes to dual-use research and technologies, there is no clear line between black and white. Robotics, rockets and GPS all reside in one big gray zone. What is more, new materials, semiconductors and other technologies developed by universities have already been used in fighter jets, missiles and other weapons.

     In some cases, technologies that sprang from good intentions have been misused in terrorism, as weaponry and so on. Dual-use research in the area of life science has also drawn attention since a string of anthrax incidents hit the U.S. following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.