Creative Management as a Strategy for Breakthrough Innovation

Abstract

Since around the beginning of the 1980s, the Japanese system of innovation has apparently been in a state of transition from a system of follow-through innovation to one of breakthrough innovation. Reaching the technological frontier, Japan has recognized the need to strengthen its basic research and breakthrough capacity by creating fundamental scientific knowledge as well as transforming such knowledge into industrial innovation. Japanese science and technology policies since the 1980s have been emphasizing creative research management as a central pillar for strengthening Japanese breakthrough innovation. This paper analyses the practice, strengths and weaknesses of research management in major basic research programmes involving Japanese private companies. The analysis extends from the conduct of basic research to industrial applicability, leading to lessons for creating innovation.