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2. Subtask2: Review and Investigation for Promoting International Cooperation2.1 R&D GoalsThis research intends to clarify how to collaborate with relevant countries to develop the WE-NET project, which has been implemented since 1993 under a commission from the NEDO, into an international joint project, as well as how to facilitate international exchange of technical information.Research during previous years focused on activities to develop international understanding toward the WE-NET project and facilitate exchange of information with pertinent organizations. We have also extracted and sorted the subjects required for promotion of international cooperation for the WE-NET project by researching similar projects trends, studies in research organizations around the world, and development plans for hydrogen energy in major countries. Based on these studies we have summarized "A Long-term Vision for International Cooperation" and proposed it in the report for FY 1996. In order to realize our Long-term Vision, we continued our activities mentioned below in FY 1998.
Examination and development of measures to promote international exchange of technical information 2.2 Result in FY 19982.2.1 Examination and Promotion of Measures to Obtain International Understanding and Cooperation for WE-NET Project.Since the WE-NET project is based on the premise of international cooperation, it is important that the concept of the WE-NET project is correctly understood by organizations and pertinent people abroad so that their cooperation can be obtained. Therefore, the following activities were carried out in FY 1998, as they were in FY 1997.(1) Distribution of the 1997 Annual Summary ReportWe distributed the English version of the 1997 Annual Summary Report on results and outcomes prepared by the NEDO to approximately 170 pertinent organizations overseas, who were listed as our regular partners for information exchange.(2) Presentations at international conferencesTo develop understanding for the concept of the WE-NET project, we made presentations of the WE-NET activities at the following international symposiums.
2.2.2 Examination and Development of Measures to Promote International Exchange of Technical InformationIn developing the WE-NET project into a truly international cooperative joint research project, it will be essential to implement information exchange and research cooperation with pertinent organizations abroad on a regular basis, while maintaining close cooperation with the countries involved. As a basis for planning measures to promote such exchange or information and cooperation in research, the following activities were carried out in FY 1998.(1) Research cooperation in the IEAThe International Energy Agency (IEA), a subordinate organization of the OECD, has promoted multilateral cooperation in accordance with the Hydrogen Implementation Agreement. In FY 1997, the contracting party of Japan was shifted from the Japanese government (MITI) to NEDO. Therefore, NEDO's representatives attend the IEA Hydrogen Executive Committee from the FY of 1997. The workshops on the tasks were also held to seek for further cooperation. NEDO took a main role in the contribution to the IEA activities from Japan.(2) Research cooperation with oversea organizationsAs joint research and cooperation with oversea organizations, the following two items were implemented:
(3) Opening of WE-NET HomepageIn consideration of the huge effect in terms of international public relations and information exchange that can be expected from the Internet, a WE-NET project homepage was opened in June, 1998.2.3 Research Plan from NowNow the international understanding toward the basic plan of WE-NET project gradually spreads over the world. However we will act much more following the long-term vision for international cooperation in WE-NET established this year. After FY 2000, it is necessary to promote effectively research works especially concerning hardware items with international collaboration.
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