Leading experts from government and academia met at IfM to share insights into Japan’s approaches to industrial policy.

The event, hosted by CSTI on November 18, marked the launch of a new series of International Science, Technology and Industrial Policy Forums, which aims to contrast policy approaches and national contexts in important manufacturing countries.

Entitled “Towards a New Industrial Structure Vision? Issues on Japan’s Industrial Policy”, this first half-day forum offered 30 participants drawn from government and academia the opportunity to engage in an open and stimulating discussion and provided the opportunity to disseminate research results, identify common interests, and ensure research relevance to practitioners.

Three major themes were explored: recent changes in Japan’s approach to industrial policy, challenges associated to industrial structures and corporate governance in Japanese industries, and regional institutions supporting the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in industrial policy implementation.

Speakers included Mr Yuki Sadamitsu from the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) London, Professor Mari Sako and Dr Steve New from Oxford University, Dr Hiro Izushi from Aston University, and Drs Eoin O’Sullivan and Carlos López-Gómez from CSTI. Other institutions represented include the Embassy of Japan in the UK, the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), Manchester Business School, as well as various departments across Cambridge.

Upcoming events will explore policy approaches in countries including Singapore (February), Germany (April) and Korea (TBA).

For more information and to get alerts of future events, click here or email Ella Whellams at erd30@cam.ac.uk.