An Advancement of Knowledge-Based Economy in Japan. The Potential Role of Knowledge Cluster Initiative
An Advancement of Knowledge-Based Economy in Japan. The Potential Role of Knowledge Cluster Initiative

Summary/Abstract: This paper identifies potential implications of knowledge cluster formation forthe advancement of the knowledge based economy in Japan. Theoretical backgroundof the knowledge-based economy and knowledge cluster have been used to evaluateand confront Japan’s knowledge economy indicators for 20 years with global frontiersand catching-up countries – indicatory analyses have confirmed a narrowing gapof emerging markets with special regard to Singapore and China. Furthermore,major impediments and challenges at both the macro and micro level have beenlisted to indicate, among others, policy challenges related to the education system,and the institutional and regulatory framework of business and research institutions.Consequently, based on empirical data collected by authors in Tokyo and Nagoya,Japan, a case study of Tokai Region Nanotechnology Manufacturing Cluster hasbeen presented to investigate results of the last ten years of MEXT’s KnowledgeCluster Initiative and to draw conclusions. So far, output within such aspects aspatents, scientific articles, high-tech sales or commercialisation appear relativelymodest when confronted with macro indicators. However, authors associate thissituation with the specificity of a knowledge cluster – long-term research projects areexpected to provide new ideas and technological solutions in the form of materials,devices, processes to be further developed, applied and commercialised. Therefore,it is the matter of time, possibly decades.

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