A Review of Studies on International Collaborative Research and their Implications for Japanese Policy

Abstract

This study reviews previous studies on international collaborative research (ICR) to obtain suggestions for promoting successful ICR in Japan. Japanese ICR is less active than that of other advanced economies, and policies for promoting Japanese ICR are being planned. Based on the findings of previous studies, the following is discussed: the background of increasing ICR in the world, the benefits and costs of ICR, the motivation and opportunities for forming international research teams, the possible reasons for inactive ICR in Japan, and the conditions for successful ICR. The importance of the international mobility of researchers for forming international research teams and successfully performing ICR is pointed out, and then policies are suggested for supporting international mobility, the utilization of human capital and the social capital of migrants. Policies to improve the research environment within the country are also important for achieving ICR at higher levels.