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2016.10.28 Fri
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3 Kansai Universities Hold Symposium on Industry-University Collaboration

On Monday, October 24, 2016, a symposium was held by 3 universities in Kansai, Kyoto University, Osaka University, and Kobe University, and organized by Nikkei, Inc. and the Japan Center for Economic Research. Over 500 individuals attended the symposium, which was held in Kita-ku, Osaka, with attendees representing both the realms of industry and university. This symposium was held under the topic of "Industry-University Collaboration is Evolving - The Determination of Innovation from Kansai," with the presidents of the 3 universities and representatives from the industrial realm exchanging opinions on the current state of industry-university collaboration and challenges to be faced.

At the start of the symposium, KAWAI Hideo, representative from the Osaka Headquarters of Nikkei, spoke about the significance of the symposium and his anticipation of a revitalization of industry-university collaboration in Kansai. Following this, TESHIROGI Isao, Vice Chairperson of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry and President and CEO of Shionogi Co., Ltd., talked about research activity at universities as viewed from the industrial realm, which raised many issues about industry-university collaboration.

Osaka University President NISHIO Shojiro commented: "Osaka University is a university that was built through the strong support of the citizen of Osaka as well as politicians, businessmen, and bureaucrats. ... I want to promote industry-university co-creation, which will develop our society, not only between industry, government, and university, but also together with the region and its citizens. ... As our society changes rapidly from vertical to horizontal mergers, we need a new point of view to create innovation. ... Efforts to make use of the distinguishing traits of each of these 3 cities in Kansai, will lead to its revitalization."

Kyoto University President YAMAGIWA Juichi emphasized, "Educational collaboration, which includes student internships, is also important. Companies and universities need to collaborate to create a place (of learning) where people and things come together." Kobe University President TAKEDA Hiroshi mentioned, "I want to look into the possibilities of Kansai through efforts to utilize the research, medicine, and technology that have accumulated in Kobe."

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