Japanese research parks: National policy and local development

Many important regional high technology (RHT) initiatives have appeared since Japan's famous technopolis programme was enacted in 1983. This paper examines the evolution of Japanese RHT policy, discerning two complimentary trends: an apparent devolution of planning functions from the national to local governments; and the emergence of research parks as a key implementation strategy. The latter trend justifies the use of research park data to extend the policy analysis, which is done using a comprehensive database of Japanese research parks. The conclusion returns to the issue of decentralization and cautions against overstating the role of local governments in Japanese RHT planning.