Current Situation of Kosetsushi Centers

ABSTRACT

Based on interviews of local technology centers (funded and operated by local governments, “kosetsushi centers” hereafter), this paper reveals the current situation of these institutions and offers suggestions for the future.

Kosetsushi centers have made clear a shift in the direction of activities from R&D-oriented to a focus on enterprise aid programs. They are strengthening their commissioned research and testing from local enterprises, and the acquisition of external funds such as national competitive funds. Coordination functions for promoting collaboration with local enterprises and universities as well as with other Kosetsushi centers in different divisions within the same local government are also being enhanced.

R&D is being shifted to respond to the needs of local enterprises and to emphasize research that will lead to practical use. In addition, ordinary research expenses are being cut so that more funds can be allocated to focus research areas.

Enterprise visits are being enhanced with the goals of understanding the needs of local enterprises and promoting Kosetsushi center activities. While enforced among employees, these goals are few in number. In addition, there is almost no collaboration with other officials, such as advisors to local enterprises, of small and medium-sized enterprise aid projects within the same local government.

Several Kosetsushi centers have become local independent administrative corporations. As a result, budget implementation and the hiring of employees have become more flexible. It is important to note that these Kosetsushi centers implemented reform and changed the way of thinking among employees before becoming local independent administrative corporations.

Movements toward new and wide-ranging collaboration among Kosetsushi centers that go beyond the framework of local governments, such as exchange among personnel and joint research, are also appearing.

Collaborative activities among officials of small- and medium-sized enterprise aid projects within local governments should be strengthened, and visits to local enterprises should be further increased. In addition, collaboration with neighboring prefectures such as joint research and the release of equipment should be enhanced.