One University project proposal to establish a center for international scientific innovation based on industry-academia cooperation and using regional resources was selected.
This project will be undertaken to develop an International Scientific Innovation Center where people from industry, academia, and government will be brought together under one roof to cooperate in a system that integrates efforts in different fields in innovative research and development work. It is designed to provide a site where new industries and new areas of employment will be created through the flexible and cooperative use of regional resources. The project objective is to provide instruments and equipment for cooperative utilization by industry and academia as well as facilities for such cooperation. The intended participants are universities, university institutions for cooperative utilization, technical colleges, independent incorporated administrative agencies for research and development, city governments, urban and rural prefectures, cities designated by cabinet order, and corporations responsible for science and technology under national control.
A total of 59 projects were submitted, and 15 were selected (selection rate: 25.4%).
The Nagoya University project that was chosen is described below.
The Nagoya University Mobility Innovation Complex
- Joint sponsors: Toyota Motor Corporation, Aichi Prefecture, the city of Toyota
- Overview of plan for the Center:
In a society with an aging population and fewer children, people are seeking active lives in smaller communities with greater social interaction. Japan's Tokai region is home to one of the world's greatest automotive industry centers. Nagoya University is a leader in the field of automotive research, and Aichi Prefecture and the city of Toyota provide key support systems for cooperation between industry and academia. This Center will serve as a global leader in manufacturing technologies, and will create innovative transportation units, "communicators" that will enhance human communication.