Article,
Exploring collaborative R&D network:: some new evidence in Japan
Research Policy, 30 (8): 1309-1319 (2001/10)
Abstract
The growing importance ascribed to science and technology has created
new demands on university research to contribute to the solution
of social problems. In such background, there is widespread consensus
in Japan today that collaborations between Japanese universities
and industry should be improved in order to meet the growing expectations
in globally competitive marketplace Sci. Public Policy 26 (2) (1999)
113. Initially advocated by Monbusho of Japanese government, a number
of systems have been established and enforced to encourage collaborative
R&D among researchers of universities, industries, and government
laboratories. However, there appears to be lack of systematic evidence
to enable a proper examination of this subject in Japan so far.This
paper analyzes the latest changes of collaborative R&D network, and
attempts at providing some new and unique empirical observations
for debates and discussions on this emerging dimension in Japan.
It is based on as many as 7029 projects data under "Joint-Research
with Private Sector" system of Monbusho. This study shows, the emergence
and growth of different modes, and identifies key features in today's
Japanese collaborative R&D network. It provides some observations
for reference to policy-makers and researchers in Japan and abroad,
and may serve as a foundation for further science and technology
(S&T) policy and innovation management research in Japan.
