Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Japan
Politics, Organizations, and High Technology Firms

The first Japanese economic history seen from the perspective of entrepreneurs and local innovative communities.

Kathryn Ibata-Arens (Author)

9780521856447, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 3 November 2005

268 pages
23.5 x 16.1 x 2.2 cm, 0.572 kg

"I have been long troubled by the saccharin view of Japan as a happy society of productive keiretsu groups based on trust and mutual benefit, so I am pleased to see a study that documents a harsher reality that helps to explain why economic performance deteriorated...this is a useful look inside the world of innovative behaviour." Pacific Affairs Edward J. Lincoln, Council on Foreign Relations

Japan's innovators and entrepreneurs are a real success story against the odds, surviving recession in the 1990s to prosper in today's competitive business environment. Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Japan explores the struggles of entrepreneurs and civic-minded local leaders in fostering innovative activity, and identifies key business lessons for an economy in need of dynamic change. Ibata-Arens offers in-depth analysis of strategy in firms, communities and in local government. Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Japan examines detailed case studies of high-technology manufacturers in Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo, as well as bio-tech clusters in America - demonstrating far-reaching innovation and competition effects in national institutions, and firms embedded within local and regional institutions. The book is essential reading for academics and students of business, economics, political economy, political science, and sociology. It will also appeal to investors, entrepreneurs and community development organisations seeking new perspectives on global competition and entrepreneurship in high-technology enterprises.

1. Introduction
2. Regions and firms
3. Innovation theory: firms, regions and the Japanese state
4. Japan's quest for entrepreneurialism
5. Inter-firm networks
6. The Kyoto model
7. Regions in comparison
8. Conclusion
Appendix
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Business & management [KJ]