Japan's Industrial Technological Development: The Role of Comparative Learning & Institutions

Japan's technology support system has played a crucial role in developing firms' technological capability and stimulating their innovation. How has it been done, and why is it effective? The research findings presented here show that what has worked best in Japan is inter-firm co-operative learning, which requires the support of public technology institutions to promote co-operation, disseminate technology, and facilitate innovation. The findings apply to a wide spectrum of firms, whether of not they are keiretsu-affiliated.