Title: Technopolis: science parks in Japan

Authors: Shigeru Suzuki

Addresses: Faculty of Economics, Matsuyama University, 4–2, Bunky-cho, Matsuyama-shi 790-8578, Japan

Abstract: Technopolis, a plan for developing science parks in Japan, came into force in the early 1980|s. Promoted by MITI, local governments and the general public held high hopes that this policy would promote the advancement of high-tech industries and provide increased employment possibilities for young graduates. The policy was developed against the backdrop of the post oil-crisis depression of the 1970|s and changes in the Japanese economic structure. There were 26 regions designated by Technopolis. However, the Technopolis Act was terminated in 1998, and the program discontinued. The long depression following the bursting of the bubble economy, globalisation of the Japanese economy, and stagnation of private company investment were among the main factors contributing to the policy|s failure. Subsequently, the government has developed a new policy that concentrates on promoting venture business and links between industries and universities.

Keywords: high-technology industry; Silicon Island; regional development policy; Technopolis development; centre for regional cooperative research and development; intellectual assets; public institutes for industry and technology; university-industry links; Japanese bureaucracy; endogenous development; science parks; Japan.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2004.005310

International Journal of Technology Management, 2004 Vol.28 No.3/4/5/6, pp.582 - 601

Published online: 20 Sep 2004 *

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