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Firms, Governments and Innovation in the Chukyo Region of Japan

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  • David W. Edgington

    (Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z2, edgingtn@geog.ubc.ca)

Abstract

The study of innovation mechanisms in one of Japan's major industrial regions (Chukyo, based around Nagoya) is explored using a four-part model. This identifies the role of core assembly firms and their sub-contractors, national and local government agencies, local chambers of commerce and private-sector lobby groups. The Chukyo region innovation system (CRIS) was found to exhibit long-term stability and appears to have weathered the economic challenges of the late 1980s and early 1990s. The Chukyo region's emphasis on continuous upgrading and kaizen has given it particular competitive advantages in 'downstream' innovation activities; however, it now faces the challenge of moving further `upstream' into areas of basic research.

Suggested Citation

  • David W. Edgington, 1999. "Firms, Governments and Innovation in the Chukyo Region of Japan," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 36(2), pages 305-339, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:36:y:1999:i:2:p:305-339
    DOI: 10.1080/0042098993628
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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