In the mid-1990s, many thought that Japan's day in the economic sun was over. Major budgetary shortfalls, mounting debt and political conflicts all pointed to growing despair about Japan's future. Joining in a global competition in national innovation, Japan's leaders decided that the commercialization of science and technology held the key to long-term economic growth. Japan's mobilization of the triple helix of universities, government and the private sector vaulted the nation into a position of international leadership, backed by massive investments in scientific infrastructure. Japan's achievements rest largely on the capacity of Japanese businesses to convert scientific and technological discoveries into commercially viable projects and services. This book sets the context for Japan's innovation strategy, and places Japanese developments in a global setting. Developments in key sectors - mobile media, products for the country's growing population of elderly persons, nanotechnology, biotechnology, robotics, photovoltaic energy and targeted urban development - demonstrate the challenges of achievements of Japan in this increasingly important commercial sector.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 170-190) and index.
Processing Action (note)
committed to retain
Contents
Introduction: science, technology and culture in 21st century Japan -- National innovation: mobilizing nations for the 21st century economy -- Japan's innovation strategies -- The Keitai Revolution: the mobile internet in Japan -- The commerce of ageing -- Robotics in Japan -- The frontiers of Japanese science and commerce -- Conclusion: understanding Japan's innovation strategies.