Small Firms and Innovation Policy in Japan (Routledge Contemporary Japan Series) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0415651727 ISBN 13: 9780415651721

Publisher: Routledge, 2012

Synopsis

This new book discusses the extent to which the Japanese economy encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Although Japan has a strong reputation as an innovator, some people argue that this reputation is misplaced. Contrary to earlier expectations, the USA rather than Japan emerged as the leader in the biotech industries in the 1990s, and also many small firms in Japan supply only a few – or just one – other company, thereby limiting their view of the marketplace and the commercial opportunities within it. Despite the increase of international patents, international scientific citations and a positive technology trade balance, the Japanese innovation system is weak in giving birth to radical innovations.

The book explores fully these issues, making comparisons with other countries where appropriate. It concludes that the Japanese innovation system has both advantages and disadvantages and contributes to a better understanding of how policy changes take place.

About this title

About the Author

Storz, Cornelia

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0415651727
• ISBN 13: 9780415651721
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 168
• Editor: Storz Cornelia