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<p>This study examines how different policy designs shape the relational structure and spatial reach of R&amp;D networks in Japan. Using social network analysis and geographic information systems (GIS), it compares collaborative R&amp;D networks formed under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)’s Consortium R&amp;D Project for Regional Revitalization (2001–2007) and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)’s Knowledge Cluster Initiative (Phase 1, 2002–2006), based on complete participation lists for all adopted projects. The analysis reveals that METI’s Consortium R&amp;D Project for Regional Revitalization produces “nebula-like” networks with multiple core actors and dense ties. By contrast, MEXT’s Knowledge Cluster Initiative tends to generate more broker-dependent and, in some regions, fragmented structures in which a small number of key universities, public research institutes, or firms mediate long-distance links, especially in science-oriented and life sciences fields. Examining distances between collaborating actors shows that public–public collaborations are strongly localized, while academia–academia and some industry–academia ties more often span 300–500&#xa0;km or more. These results indicate that wide-area pipelines are crucial at the technological seed-creation stage, whereas commercialization requires thicker local linkages centered on public research institutes. It concludes by highlighting the need for institutional support for bridging peripheral actors and by proposing future research on multilayered global R&amp;D networks, temporary clusters, and alternative forms of proximity.</p>

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The geography of collaborative R&D networks in Japan’s regional innovation strategies: how policy design shapes relational structures and spatial patterns

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月5日

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  • Yutaka Yokura

摘要

This study examines how different policy designs shape the relational structure and spatial reach of R&D networks in Japan. Using social network analysis and geographic information systems (GIS), it compares collaborative R&D networks formed under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)’s Consortium R&D Project for Regional Revitalization (2001–2007) and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)’s Knowledge Cluster Initiative (Phase 1, 2002–2006), based on complete participation lists for all adopted projects. The analysis reveals that METI’s Consortium R&D Project for Regional Revitalization produces “nebula-like” networks with multiple core actors and dense ties. By contrast, MEXT’s Knowledge Cluster Initiative tends to generate more broker-dependent and, in some regions, fragmented structures in which a small number of key universities, public research institutes, or firms mediate long-distance links, especially in science-oriented and life sciences fields. Examining distances between collaborating actors shows that public–public collaborations are strongly localized, while academia–academia and some industry–academia ties more often span 300–500 km or more. These results indicate that wide-area pipelines are crucial at the technological seed-creation stage, whereas commercialization requires thicker local linkages centered on public research institutes. It concludes by highlighting the need for institutional support for bridging peripheral actors and by proposing future research on multilayered global R&D networks, temporary clusters, and alternative forms of proximity.