2022 Volume 45 Issue 3 Pages 39-50
In local areas, there is a growing movement to incorporate the knowledge and skills of external human resources to implement regional development. This study regards such movements in local areas as regional open innovation. Applying the open innovation process used by companies as an analogy, and using that process as an analytical framework, we analyze the process practiced in regional areas. The cases of Masuda City in Shimane Prefecture and Yamatsuri Town in Fukushima Prefecture were the subjects of the study. Our research shows that the process practiced in regions is not just a one of incorporating knowledge and skills, but a method of creating trust and collaboration. We also discuss the mechanisms and functions required by each region through analysis results and interview surveys of 20 stakeholders.
