The research function of universities in Japan

Japan has long led the trend towards privatization of Research and Development (R&D). With the recent establishment of corporate R&D facilities overseas, this has become more international in character. The relative impoverishment of Japanese academic science has only recently begun to be addressed by the government. Despite the neglect, there appears to be a gradual increase in Japanese academic research, but international research collaborations are still quite limited in number. There are growing ties with industry, but industry has been slow to recognize the value of graduate school training. Stronger links may promote greater research activity, but without reforms to the structure of the education system and Ministry of Education policies, Japan will not be prepared to meet the challenge of the 21st century, and the need for a highly-skilled, innovative workforce.