Building a Regional Innovation Strategy for Sustainable Development

We have visualized a geographical flow of knowledge and technology by employing social network analysis based on data on projects and patents, such as industry-academia-government cooperation. By doing so, we have identified the characteristics and problems of regional innovation. In addition, we have interviewed companies involved in regional innovation projects to determine if there is any relationship between their technological trajectories and the projects. In particular, we have focused on a turning point of their technological trajectories and the impact of the regional innovation projects on their technological shifts. Through this series of analyses, we have made policy recommendations on regional innovation strategies towards developing sustainable regions.

- Natsuki Kamakura, Assistant Professor, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

- Yokura, Y., Matsubara, H. and Sternberg, R.(2013): R&D Networks and Regional Innovation: A Social Network Analysis of Joint Research Projects in Japan, , Area, 45: 493-503
- Matsubara H. ed.(2013)Cluster Policies and Regional Innovation in Japan, University of Tokyo Press
- Matsubara, H. and Kamakura, N.(2016)Economic Geography of Manufacturing Plants, Hara Shobo.