Japan plans a database of the nation's single-nucleotide polymorphisms.
The government also plans to create national centres for genomics research by 2001, and has pledged to expand its support for venture businesses. The latter will come through a scheme similar to the US programme Small Business Innovation Research, which funds small businesses carrying out innovative research with commercial potential. The government plans to inject 2 trillion over the next five years, bringing spending on genomics to at least 0.2 per cent of the country's gross domestic product. Ministries involved include the Science and Technology Agency, MITI, the Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The ministries will seek appropriations in this year's second supplementary budget, to be compiled in the autumn.