Japan's Industry-Academia Collaboration Ranks Lowest in G7 for Competitiveness; Challenges Remain in Patent Utilization
It has been revealed that the competitiveness of patents created through collaboration between Japanese companies and universities is the lowest among the Group of Seven (G7) nations. This finding comes from an analysis by the Nikkei newspaper regarding the international strength of patents jointly filed by corporations and universities.
The survey highlighted that the ability of companies to translate university research outcomes into business opportunities is weak. Compared to other countries, Japan remains at a low level in terms of the number of joint patent applications between universities and companies, as well as in indicators measuring how much attention those patents receive globally.
Experts point out that while Japan possesses excellent technology and research, the systems required to bring them to market as actual products or services are not sufficiently established. There is an urgent need for collaboration that allows companies to turn new ideas born in universities into successful businesses.
Moving forward, creating an environment where universities and companies can cooperate more closely will be a key factor in enhancing Japan's industrial competitiveness. The government and relevant institutions must also accelerate the consideration of new policies and mechanisms to support industry-academia collaboration.