Editorial Introduction to the JSRSAI Golden Anniversary Issue Academic Knowledge Commercialization, Universities and Regional Economic Development

Abstract

This Golden Anniversary Issue of the Studies in Regional Science is dedicated to celebrate the ‘double' 50th Anniversary of the JSRSAI.　The Japan Section of the Regional Science Association International (JSRSAI) celebrated the 50th Anniversary of its establishment last year, in October 2012 in Tokyo.　The 50th Anniversary of the JSRSAI hosted the 49th Annual Conference of the JSRSAI as well.　This year, JSRSAI will celebrate the 50th Anniversary Conference in October 2013 in Tokushima.　This one year difference between the establishment of the JSRSAI and its first annual conference has created a great opportunity to celebrate the ‘double' 50th Anniversary of the JSRSAI.　This Golden Anniversary Issue is very special in this sense as the papers in this issue were presented at a Special Session on “Academic Knowledge Commercialization, Universities and Regional Economic Development” as part of the 50^th Anniversary of the JSRSAI in 2012 in Tokyo and they were edited for publication in this Golden Anniversary Issue in order to celebrate the 50^th Annual Conference of the JSRSAI in 2013.　Therefore, the ‘double' celebration of both the 50^th Anniversary of the Japan Section and the 50^th Annual Conference of the JSRSAI is reflected in this Golden Anniversary Issue.
This Golden Anniversary Issue addresses a hot topic, the ‘commercialization of academic knowledge' that is increasingly seen as a potential economic development model, particularly for improving the capabilities and economic performance of regions.　The Issue consists of two parts and nine papers that highlight the central role of universities and commercialization of knowledge in a regional context from multiple perspectives.　While focusing especially on the new role of universities in regional economic development through knowledge commercialization, the Issue aims to provide a forum for discussion of whether, why, and how commercialization of knowledge can lead to higher levels of innovation and economic development.　The collection of papers in this Golden Issue considers commercialization and valorization of knowledge as an essential element of regional innovation systems and economic development.　Therefore, the Issue addresses modern theories and concepts relating to research on commercialization of knowledge and regional economic development and provides an overview and introduction to this fascinating and rapidly emerging field for academics, policy-makers, entrepreneurs, researchers and students who share a common interest and commitment to knowledge commercialization.