Research Objectives
To conduct empirical analysis and case studies, we establish research centers for high-tech startups, mainly academic ventures, in Tokyo and San Francisco. By comparing Japan and the U.S., we obtain knowledge contributing to the international development of Japanese academic ventures. Furthermore, based on the research results, we make policy recommendations regarding inbound and outbound strategies for startups, diversity enhancement in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and other issues.
Organizational Structure
- University-Industry and University Society Partnership Research Unit of the Institute for Future Initiatives will implement this project.
- The project implementation organization will consist of the University of Tokyo, the JETRO team (collaboration agreement and consignment contract), and the Sumitomo Life Insurance team. They will manage regular and expanded promotion meetings.
Research Project Steering Committee Members
Toshiya Watanabe (Professor, Institute for Future Initiatives)
Hideaki Shiroyama (Director, Institute for Future Initiatives)
Atsushi Deguchi (Professor, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences)
Hiroshi Naka (Professor, Institute for Future Initiatives)
Shigeo Kagami (Professor, Department of Technology Management for Innovation, School of Engineering)
Masahiro Sugiyama (Associate Professor, Institute for Future Initiatives)
Project Research Team
＜The University of Tokyo＞
Toshiya Watanabe (Professor, Institute for Future Initiatives)
Daisuke Kanama (Visiting Professor, Institute for Future Initiatives / Professor, Kanazawa University)
Shin Ito (Project Associate Professor, Institute for Future Initiatives)
＜Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)＞
Noriya Tarutani (Director, Innovation and Intellectual Property Department, Innovation Promotion Division)
Toru Iimura (Deputy Director, Innovation and Intellectual Property Department, Innovation Promotion Division)
Yusuke Kaga (Innovation Promotion Division, Innovation & Intellectual Property Department)
Yuka Hirasawa (JETRO Houston Office)
＜Sumitomo Life Insurance Company＞
Hiroki Fujimoto (Senior Executive Officer and General Manager, Next Business Planning Department)
Chihiro Tojo (Assistant Manager, Next Business Planning Department/ Commissioned Researcher, Institute for Future Initiatives, the University of Tokyo)
Hideo Fukuoka (Senior Innovation Coordinator, Next Business Planning Department, Silicon Valley)
Expanded Project Promotion Council
Katsuya Hasegawa (Project Professor, Division of University Corporate Relations)
Yasuo Kitaoka (Professor, Co-Creation Bureau, Osaka University)
Yuri Hirai (Associate Professor, Graduate School of Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University)
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