ABSTRACT
Japan has created a unique mechanism of technological innovation after the war. In the 1980s, the ambitious research desire of large enterprises allowed them to eventually broaden the scope of basic research into science. This resulted in many technological innovations such as the high electron mobility transistor and blue light emitting diode originating in Japan. Japanese corporate research laboratories became an engine of technological innovation with few parallels around the world. In a post-industrial society, it is innovation that brings about sustainable economic growth. For Japanese companies to restore the innovation model based on “knowledge creation,” which is the essence of science, the crucial task is to “transcend the borders of knowledge” while overcoming the barriers between academic disciplines and teach people who can perform “transilience.” Scientists can learn the methodologies of social scientists or humanities scientists and have discussions in a common language.
