New strategies for technology development in Japanese cities and regions

An account is given of current approaches to introducing technology-based infrastructure to Japanese cities and regions. Projects of the early 1980s, such as Tsukuba Science City and Technopolis, have now been joined by others aimed at upgrading the development of advanced technology industries throughout Japan. This review points to a complex pattern of seemingly uncoordinated programmes set up by national and local governments. In part, this is due to inter-ministerial rivalry and inter-city competition. However, despite an apparent confusion in the roles and functions of the different programmes, a structure can be discerned which supports the goals of Japan's Fourth National Comprehensive Development Plan. Thus, while Tokyo and Osaka are set to retain their pivotal functions as international gateways to Japan and centres of technology innovation, there is an important role for initiatives which are more local in their scale and impact aimed at assisting a balanced regional development pattern.