2019 Volume 38 Issue 3 Pages 352-359
The purpose of this study was to clarify the characteristics and expectations of municipalities cooperating with universities on a regional scale in agriculture-related fields. Analysis was performed using the results of a postal questionnaire survey sent to 721 municipalities (response rate: 68.9%). A binary logistic regression model was applied to clarify the characteristics of municipalities currently cooperating with universities. In addition, an ordered logistic regression model was applied to clarify the characteristics of municipalities expressing willingness to cooperate in the future. Approximately 30% of respondents were found to be cooperating with universities in agriculture-related fields, while approximately 50% expressed willingness to cooperate in the future. Municipalities expressing willingness to cooperate tended to express a desire to utilize universities’ specialized knowledge and personnel. These municipalities also recognized the necessity of addressing issues such as daily communication to promote cooperation. Furthermore, the results of the binary logistic regression model and ordered logistic regression model showed that several factors characterized municipalities currently cooperating with or expressing willingness to cooperate with universities in agriculture-related fields. These factors included the location of the university, the existence of a cooperative agreement, implementation of measures aimed at promoting cooperation, and the presence of staff specifically linked to agriculture-related fields.
