2012 年 33 巻 1 号 p. 76-84
The Asahi Kasei Group performs joint research with universities, etc., to provide materials and system technologies which are in harmony with the environment. Contribution to the development of a sustainable society is made by conserving energy in production processes, providing energy-saving products and system technologies, minimizing wastes, and providing drinking-water purification. Notable examples of successful industry-academia collaboration include a residential fuel-cell cogeneration system in collaboration with an engineering company and an energy enterprise, and a highly efficient ground-source heat pump system in collaboration with a university and a construction company. As an example of joint research with an NPO, JST/JICA and a university are developing new water reuse technology which is suitable for utilization in tropical regions. Collaboration between industry, academia, and government is vital for dealing with environmental problems.