Scientific Research: Opening the Door to the Future
Chapter 3 New Trends in the Promotion of Science
Section 2: New Approaches to University-Industry Cooperation and Collaboration
5. Future Strategies
MESSC expects these systemic improvements to provide additional impetus for the promotion of university-industry cooperation and collaboration. In March 1 997 a report was compiled on the proceedings of the Consultative Committee for Research and Surveys Regarding University-Industry Cooperation and Collaboration. A variety of issues and measures concerning the promotion of university-industry cooperation and collaboration are identified in the "Action Plan for Economic Structure Reform," which was adopted by the Cabinet in May 1997, and in the August 1997 amendment to the "Program for Educational Reform." In addition to systemic improvements to encourage personnel exchanges, it will also be necessary to consider the following issues from the standpoint of ensuring the effective and efficient transfer of university research results to society:
(i) Incentives and support for patent acquisition by university teachers;
(ii) Return of investment income from intellectual property rights;
(iii) Improvement of liaison functions to mediate patents for private sector companies; and
(iv) Training research coordinators.
MESSC is working actively to expand university-industry cooperation and collaboration. In June 1997, it began to hold meetings of both the Consultative Committee for Research and Surveys Regarding University-Industry Cooperation and Collaboration and the Interministerial Conference on University-Industry Cooperation and Collaboration. The former committee brings together scientific experts and others to discuss the promotion of university-industry cooperation and collaboration from the specialist's perspective. The latter brings together representatives of government ministries and agencies involved in the promotion of university-industry cooperation to discuss comprehensive, strategic approaches to this task.
