Launch of the Kumamoto Regional Industrial Development Center
On August 1, Kumamoto University launched the Kumamoto Regional Industrial Development Center, as part of our social contribution efforts to increase our presence in the region as a national university contributing to our regional communities. This center aims to promote collaborations between academia and industry in Kumamoto to revitalize local industries and create new job opportunities.Purpose
The Center will function as a headquarters to develop a strong collaboration system to unite local governments, industries, and research institutions in Kumamoto to revitalize local industry and create new job opportunities within the region.Background
In Japan, economic gaps between urban areas and other parts of the country have caused an excess concentration of population and industries in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area and an influx of the younger population from rural areas. A large portion of those moving to urban areas is young people who are seeking employment after graduating from university. As such, universities in non-urban areas are being encouraged to work together with local governments and companies to create further job opportunities so that more young people can find employment in the region.Details and style of the Center’s activities
To support the promotion of attractive local industries, and the creation of further job opportunities to encourage more young people to continue living in Kumamoto by promoting use of the university’s research achievements, and offering students internships and other skill-development programs at local companies.The Center is open to the public and is used not only by students, but also by people from local governments and companies. The Center aims to help resolve the regional challenges by supporting the promotion of attractive local industries and the creation of job opportunities to encourage more young people to continue living in Kumamoto. This will be achieved through promoting active exchanges of people, utilization of the university’s intellectual properties, and introducing students to skill-development programs offered by local companies.
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From left: President Shinji Harada, Director Yasumichi Matsumoto (Trustee in charge of research and social contribution; Vice President)