Study on Industrial Clusters (joint research with Kyoto University)

2008

Industrial clusters are being formed in various areas throughout Japan to promote innovation and to stimulate regional economic vitalization. The purpose of this research project is to consider measures that would promote the development of industrial clusters as effective innovation systems, by featuring empirical research conducted on two regions: the Technology Advanced Metropolitan Area (TAMA) extending over the western part of the Tokyo metropolitan area as a leading case in the "Industrial Cluster Plan" of METI, and the Keiji Area (the region covering southern Kyoto Prefecture and southern Shiga Prefecture) where numerous hi-tech firms and leading universities are concentrated. While studying theoretical aspects, we also conduct a number of activities aimed at developing practical policy recommendations. These activities cover continued research on the Keiji Area including interviews with local firms, research meetings held with local government agencies, public organizations for the support of industries, and university researchers and staff. In addition, an open symposium was held on January 16, 2009 for the general public and business community.

2007

Industrial clusters are being formed in various areas throughout Japan to promote innovation and to stimulate regional economic vitalization. The purpose of this research project is to consider measures that would promote the development of industrial clusters as effective innovation systems, by featuring empirical research conducted on two regions: the Technology Advanced Metropolitan Area (TAMA) extending over the western part of the Tokyo metropolitan area as a leading case in the "Industrial Cluster Plan" of METI, and the Keiji Area (the region covering southern Kyoto Prefecture and southern Shiga Prefecture) where numerous hi-tech firms and leading universities are concentrated. During fiscal 2007, while studying theoretical aspects we also conducted a number of activities aimed at developing practical policy recommendations. These activities cover continued research on the Keiji Area including interviews with local firms, research meetings held with local government agencies, public organizations for the support of industries, and university researchers and staff. In addition, an open symposium was held on November 19, 2007 for the general public and business community.