To deal with uncertainties, firms have adopted a 'parallel path' strategy in which they apply research and development outcomes to a variety of objectives in innovation activities. Considering another factor of successful innovation, searching for ideas from wider technological domains can increase the probability of success. However, the number…

This article looks at the evolution of university-industry collaboration (UIC) policies in Japan since the mid-1990s to the present and analyses their role in shaping the country's innovation ecosystem. UIC policies are examined within a multidimensional innovation policy framework that encompasses five Science and Technology Basic Plans and a…

This article examines how two core factors--strategic and entrepreneurial dynamics--influence research and development (R&D) investment in new technology-based firms (NTBFs) using data from a questionnaire survey conducted in Japan. Among the strategic dynamics, it is found that joint R&D projects with universities have a positive,…

Knowledge spillovers from universities and other public research institutions (PRIs) are viewed as essential for innovation. Previous studies examining the impact of such spillovers have been confined to the West, and there are no comparable studies using empirical data from Japan that explore the relationship between spillovers from PRIs and…

This study compares two high-tech firms in terms of their differences in organizational characteristics and learning activities beyond the boundaries. It finds that the larger company continuously develops new technology to achieve long-term survival through a balance between exploration and exploitation while the smaller enterprise grows quickly…

Presents the need for a new mindset and for worker creativity and flexibility in the contemporary workplace; describes benefits of and barriers to creative education in schools, colleges, and workplaces. Suggests ways to unleash and empower the creativity of the work force. (SK)

Includes "Science Parks and Regional Technology Strategies: European Experiences" (Charles, Hayward, Thomas); "Technology Parks and University-Business Relations in Spain" (del Castillo, Diez, Barroeta); "Evaluating Science and Technology Parks in France" (Bruhat); and "The Technopolis in Japan: Its Past and…

Following the incorporation of Japanese national universities in April 2004, the ownership of university inventions is now similar to that in the USA. However, in contrast to the USA, joint research projects involving close collaboration with company researchers who are frequently named as co-inventors are common. A large proportion of university…

Comparison of countries with strong industrial achievement (Germany, Japan, United States) and weaker growth (England, France, Russia) reveals a strong association between economic development and policies supporting industry-education collaboration. Positive and inhibiting mechanisms for industrial innovation were identified. (SK)