The Role and Function of URAs in Innovations Created by Researchers in the Field of Social Sciences and Humanities in the Cases of Four Japanese Universities

Abstract

This paper is jointly written by URAs (University Research Administrators) working in the area of social sciences and humanities (SSH) at universities in Japan. First, an overview is given of Japan's current innovation policy and the functions and roles of URAs. Next, we describe case studies and the roles of URAs at four universities (Kyoto University, University of Tsukuba, Osaka University, and Waseda University.) Finally, a summary is provided regarding the four cases and the roles and functions of URAs. It was found that URAs go beyond mere research support and are more actively involved in innovation creation. The roles and functions of URAs are summarized in terms of the concept of "change agents." These are "people who intentionally try to bring about change or innovation in their organizations. It was indicated that URAs carry out three main functions: "catalysts," "process helper" and "resource linker."