Overview
Non-metropolitan economies are exhausted by aging populations and the hollowing-out of their industries. To create strong and flexible non-metropolitan regional economies is an urgent issue. This study pursued solutions from two perspectives. Project 1: Industrial clusters, non-metropolitan productivity, aging of the region, and infrastructure. Project 2: Restoration of local economies by fostering social capital, disaster prevention, local traditions and culture, cooperation among residents, and promotion of the digital economy. Our research project will be conducted from the perspectives of both the Japanese and international economies.
Project 1: Our project examines (i) productivity at the commuter zone level (ii) impact of the aging population on regional productivity, (iii) impact of urban skyscrapers on the economy using 3D data and urban and spatial economics, (iv) quantitative evaluation of regional and local development policies such as revitalization policies for central urban areas.
Project 2: Our project focuses on resilience, SDGs and the digital economy. The project includes (i) an examination of the impact of regional culture and society on local firms and economies, and (ii) a study on resilient growth of local economies, regional disparities and business cycles, and the internationalization and innovation of companies located in the region and (iii) an examination of the digital economy after COVID-19, (iv) an examination of how the digital economy can help reinforce corporate resilience, diversity and work styles, and labor shortages in the shadow of recent globalization, and (v) our own survey of Japanese companies.
February 12, 2024 - July 31, 2026
（During the research project period, the research activity period is set from February 12, 2024 to January 31, 2026, and the data usage reporting period is set from February 1, 2026 to July 31, 2026.）
