International Perspectives in Geography

International Perspectives in Geography AJG Library Volume 16 Editor-in-Chief Yuji Murayama, The University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan Series Editors Yoshio Arai, Teikyo University, Utsunomiya, Japan Hitoshi Araki, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Japan Shigeko Haruyama, Mie University, Tsu, Japan Yukio Himiyama, Hokkaido University of Education, Sapporo, Japan Mizuki Kawabata, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan Taisaku Komeie, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan Jun Matsumoto, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan Takashi Oguchi, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan Toshihiko Sugai, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan Atsushi Suzuki, Rissho University, Kumagaya, Japan Teiji Watanabe, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan Noritaka Yagasaki, Nihon University, Tokyo, Japan Satoshi Yokoyama, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan Aim and Scope The AJG Library is published by Springer under the auspices of the Association of Japanese Geographers. This is a scholarly series of international standing. Given the multidisciplinary nature of geography, the objective of the series is to provide an invaluable source of information not only for geographers, but also for students, researchers, teachers, administrators, and professionals outside the discipline. Strong emphasis is placed on the theoretical and empirical understanding of the changing relationships between nature and human activities. The overall aim of the series is to provide readers throughout the world with stimulating and up-to-date scientific outcomes mainly by Japanese and other Asian geographers. Thus, an “Asian” flavor different from the Western way of thinking may be reflected in this series. The AJG Library will be available both in print and online via SpringerLink. About the AJG The Association of Japanese Geographers (AJG), founded in 1925, is one of the largest and leading organizations on geographical research in Asia and the Pacific Rim today, with around 3000 members. AJG is devoted to promoting research on various aspects of human and physical geography and contributing to academic development through exchanges of information and knowledge with relevant internal and external academic communities. Members are tackling contemporary issues such as global warming, air/water pollution, natural disasters, rapid urbanization, irregular land-use changes, and regional disparities through comprehensive investigation into the earth and its people. In addition, to make the next generation aware of these academic achievements, the members are engaged in teaching and outreach activities of spreading geographical awareness. With the recent developments and much improved international linkages, AJG launches the publication of the AJG Library series in 2012. More information about this series at http://www.springer.com/series/10223 Yutaka Yokura Regional Innovation and Networks in Japan Yutaka Yokura Faculty of Economics Kyushu University Fukuoka, Japan ISSN 2197-7798 ISSN 2197-7801 (electronic) International Perspectives in Geography ISBN 978-981-16-2190-1 ISBN 978-981-16-2191-8 (eBook) https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-2191-8 © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021 This work is subject to copyright. All rights are solely and exclusively licensed by the Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in any other physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed. The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made. The publisher remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. This Springer imprint is published by the registered company Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. The registered company address is: 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore Preface Networks and innovation both continue to be hot topics in the field of economic geography. Current research focusing on the process of regional innovation and knowledge creation highlights local linkages and extra-local networks. The main aim of this book is to empirically examine how various relationships affect the development and growth of industrial agglomeration. This book includes eight chapters that examine the various networks and the innovation process in Japan. Although most of the chapters draw on my own work previ- ously published in Japanese academic journals, all of the content has been updated. Chapters 1 and 2 explore existing research on networks and innovation and present new perspectives on economic geography. Chapters 3 through 7 present empirical research on networks and innovation, which is conducted through case studies of industrial agglomerations in Japan. In this book, in addition to the interview survey, other novel tools for analyzing networks and innovation, such as social network analysis and covariance structure analysis, are applied for empirical analysis. Chapter 8 summarizes the future research prospects based on the results of the theoretical and empirical studies presented in this book. Parts of Chap. 1, 2, and 3 were written as my doctoral thesis for the University of Tokyo. I am indebted to my dissertation chair, Professor Hiroshi Matsubara, for his insight, useful comments, and great support. I am sincerely grateful to my dissertation co-chairs, Professor YoshioArai, Professor Junji Nagata, Professor Isao Mizuno, and Associate Professor Shin Kajita for their helpful advice that improved my work. I would also like to acknowledge the support of my colleagues and students at Kyushu University. Much of the research in this book was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Numbers JP23720399, JP26770281, and JP17K03239. Finally, I want to thank my parents for their long-term support of my studies. Fukuoka, Japan Yutaka Yokura v Contents 1 Introduction ................................................... 1 1.1 Regional Innovation and Networks . 1 1.2 The Social Network Perspective . 2 1.3 The Governance Perspective . 3 1.4 The Spatial Scale of Networks . 3 1.4.1 Local Networks . 4 1.4.2 Non-Local and Global Networks . 4 1.5 New Research Trends Related to Networks . 5 1.5.1 Trust ............................................... 5 1.5.2 Channels of Knowledge Flow . 6 1.6 Towards a Novel Perspective on Networks and Innovation in Industrial Agglomerations . 7 References . 8 2 Regional Innovation and Knowledge Creation .................... 11 2.1 Introduction . 11 2.2 SpatialDimensionsofInnovation ............................. 13 2.2.1 Innovation on a Local Scale . 13 2.2.2 Innovation on a National Scale . 14 2.2.3 Innovation on a Global Scale . 16 2.2.4 BriefSummary ...................................... 17 2.3 The Knowledge Base Approach . 18 2.4 The Strength of Temporary Relationships . 19 2.5 Conclusion . 22 References . 23 3 R&D Networks and Regional Innovation ......................... 27 3.1 Introduction . 27 3.2 TheStructureofR&DNetworks.............................. 28 3.2.1 Data and Social Network Analysis . 28 3.2.2 Sectoral and Regional Structures ofR&DNetworks.................................... 31 3.3 The Spatial Dimension of Collaborative R&D Networks . 31 vii viii Contents 3.4 Conclusion . 42 References . 42 4 Local Trade Fairs as Temporary Clusters: A Case Study of the Suwa Area Industrial Messe ............................... 45 4.1 Introduction . 45 4.2 Development of Japanese Trade Fairs . 47 4.3 Economic Context of the Suwa Area . 50 4.4 Building Relationships at the Suwa Area Industrial Messe . 52 4.4.1 Goals of Attendance and State Support . 54 4.4.2 Building Relationships With Non-Local Firms . 55 4.4.3 Processes of Relationship Building at Suwa Area Industrial Messe . 56 4.5 Conclusions . 58 References . 60 5 Informal Networks and the Evolution of Industry: A Case Study of the Hamamatsu Area ................................... 61 5.1 Introduction . 61 5.2 Economic Context of the Hamamatsu Area . 63 5.3 The Development of Informal Networks in the Hamamatsu Area...................................................... 66 5.3.1 Institutional Support System for Informal Networks . 66 5.3.2 Relational Structure of Informal Networks . 67 5.4 Relationships Between Informal and Formal Networks . 72 5.5 Conclusion . 76 References . 77 6 Institutional Thickness in Regional Innovation Ecosystem: A Case Study of the Kyushu Semiconductor Industry .............. 79 6.1 Introduction . 79 6.2 Kyushu’s Semiconductor-Related Industry . 81 6.3 Various Roles of International Semiconductor-Related Workshops . 82 6.4 Formation of Transactional Relationships atBusiness-MatchingProject ................................ 87 6.5 Toward Sustainable Support for Semiconductor Innovation Ecosystem................................................

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