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Nature 389, 103 (11 September 1997) | doi:10.1038/38054

Open Innovation Challenges

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Quantity is not enough

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Japan's scientifically weaker neighbours are outperforming it in the pursuit of quality.

There is growing realization in the scientifically expanding Asia-Pacific region of the need to improve quality through processes of research assessment (see page 114). But Japan, despite its large output, is lagging behind — most of its neighbours are far ahead in the use of external review committees and bibliographic analysis.