Studies on the Enterprises Owned by National University Corporations in Japan

Abstract

This paper discusses the history and characteristics of the enterprises owned by national university corporations (NUCs) in Japan. An incorporated educational institution, which establishes a “private” university, can also set some enterprises (university-owned enterprises) to support the university’s operation. On the other hand, NUCs have limited investment activities under the National University Corporation Act, which allows them to invest in (1) accredited technology licensing offices (TLOs), (2) approved venture capitals (VCs), and (3) enterprises that provide consulting, education, and training services according to the results of research on technology conducted by the incorporated national university (the designated national university only). National university-owned enterprises have played a major role in the achievement of policy goals, and are expected to increase these universities’ income in the future.