Integrating ‘Society 5.0’ and regional revitalisation: Japan's path to transformative innovation

Michiko Iizuka and Takayuki Hayashi

Chapter 17 in Research Handbook on Regions and Transformative Innovation Policy, 2026, pp 280-297 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter examines how Transformative Innovation Policy (TIP) has been implemented in Japan's regions across national, regional, and programme levels. Evolving through Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Basic Plans (1996–2025), TIP culminated in the ‘Society 5.0’ vision of a human-centred, sustainable society. National STI policy shifted from R&D-centric goals to broader social agendas, adopting backcasting and engaging ministries, industry, and civil society. Regional policy, once focused on economic revitalisation and clusters, has increasingly aligned with national priorities but remains top-down. Programmes such as the Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP) and COI-NEXT exemplify regional TIP by coordinating cross-sector R&D and fostering local co-creation. Regional universities are promoted as innovation hubs, engaging in regional visioning, developing collaborative platforms, and addressing local socio-economic issues through schemes such as J-PEAKS and integrated policy packages. While progress is evident, sustainable regional TIP will require a better balance between central leadership and regional autonomy.

Keywords: Society 5.0; Science; Technology and Innovation Basic Plan; Transformative Innovation Policy; Regional universities; Japan (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035309924
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