Japan to survey universities to prevent outflow of hi-tech

The Cabinet Office plans to survey domestic universities and research institutes to discern whether they have taken measures to prevent the overseas outflow of advanced technology, according to sources, reports The Yomiuri Shimbun.

Following an incident in which a Chinese researcher at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) allegedly leaked information to a Chinese company, the government intends to ascertain the quality of the systems and measures in place at universities and research facilities and call for improvements in cases of laxity.

The survey, which could be launched as early as this month, will target about 370 entities, including national, public and private universities and research bodies. The survey will request information regarding potential penalties in cases where researchers obtain ambiguous funds from overseas, as well as details about systems to ensure appropriate information management, among other related measures.
Full report on The Japan News site