2007 Fiscal Year Final Research Report Summary
Formation of Learning Regions and Learning Networks under the Knowledge-Based Economy
| Project/Area Number |
17320133
|
|---|
| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
|
| Allocation Type | Single-year Grants |
|---|
| Section | 一般 |
|---|
| Research Field |
Human geography
|
|---|
| Research Institution | Hiroshima University |
|---|
Principal Investigator |
TOMOZAWA Kazuo Hiroshima University, Graduate School of Letters, Professor (40227640)
|
|---|
| Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha) |
OKAHASHI Hidenori HIROSHIMA UNIVERSITY, Graduate School of Letters, Professor (00150540)
FUNCK Calorin HIROSHIMA UNIVERSITY, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences, Associate Professor (70271400)
ISHIMARU Tetsuji Fukuoka University of Education, Faculty of Education, Professor (50223029)
KUWATSUKA Kentaro University of the Ryukyus, Faculty of Law and Letters, Associate Professor (40346466)
UMEDA Kastuki Hokkaido University, Graduate School of Letters, Assistant Professor (20344533)
|
|---|
| Project Period (FY) |
2005 – 2007
|
| Keywords | knowledge-based economy / learning region / learning network / Economic Geography |
|---|
| Research Abstract |
The purpose of this study is to clarify the formation of learning regions and learning networks under the knowledge-based economy of Japan. As the importance of knowledge as an element of economic activities increases, enterprises as well as production areas have developed their original learning systems to promote 1) knowledge creation, 2) knowledge acquisition (=learning) and 3) knowledge protectionmore than before. We focus on regional aspect of the learning systems from the viewpoint of economic geography. The results are summarized as follows
Tomozawa developed `location theory of university start-ups' based on his questionnaire survey in Chugoku-ShikokuRegion. In the initial stage, `reduction of rent' is the most important factor for university start-ups due to their financial situation. In the latter stage, `accessibility to the market' becomes a primary location factor for them.
Funck provided the concept of `learning tourism' comprises of educational tourism like school trips, e
… More
cotourism as well as dark tourism. Accumulation of local and regional knowledge, development of contents and methods for interpreting and guiding are required for all these types of learning tourism.
Ishimaru illustrated spatial features of knowledge business market in Tokyo. Most of large-scale consultant companies locate at the core business district of Tokyo because of massive needs of knowledge. However, in the industrial area there is poor business opportunity due to factory-owners' low evaluation of such high-cost consultancy.
Okahashi focused on new local business in rural area as an `integrated lifestyle industry'. This business based on the integration of different sectors of industry, such as selling agricultural products, processing agricultural foods and tourism. The development of the industry needs to communication between rural residents and urban people, and to various couplings of local knowledge.
Kuwatsuka discussed the growth of ICT industry, especially the call centers in Okinawa. He also demonstrated the importance of knowledge accumulation under the process of business transformation. The knowledge created in Okinawa brings a new business opportunity to it.
Umeda pointed out the regional learning system of dairy farming in Hamanaka Town, Hokkaido. This system supported by a local agricultural cooperation helps people who newly join to the dairy farming. It provides them technical know-how of the industry as well as educational and living facilities. Less
|
