Universities of the Future from Social and Economic Perspectives

2007 - 2009

Japanese universities have undergone important changes in recent years, such as the incorporation of national universities as independent administrative institutions beginning in April 2005. However, it can hardly be said that all problems have been solved through these institutional reforms. The following are some of the issues and problems that remain to be addressed: the raison d'etre of national universities; the interrelation between "education" and "research" and the allocation of resources; the allocation of operating grants and competitive research funds; a framework for university governance conducive to competition and constructive rivalry among national universities; and, the management of national university hospitals. These issues not only affect the future of Japan's ivory towers, but also have an important bearing on the future of Japan's economy and society in the 21st century. The purpose of this project is to develop a framework for considering these issues. Currently, we are engaged in researching the following themes: (1) current conditions and outlook for the performance of national universities and the allocation of funds; (2) current conditions and issues related to the governance of national universities; and (3) universities and local economies.

April 13, 2007 - March 31, 2009