OLYMPUS TECHNOZONE Vol.69 2007-11
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INDEX
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From a Linear Model to a Parallel Model
Collaboration between Pure Science and Industry
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Professor Noyori, I hear that Riken, of which you are president, is focused not only on pure research, but also on industry. The goals set forth in the "Noyori Initiative" include making Riken more visible and contributing to the real world.
Riken spends substantial amounts of money on pure research, but the results of our work yield little social and economic benefit in the form of innovations. The difficulty of bridging this gulf between pure research and practical results is a worldwide phenomenon that has been likened to "bridging Death Valley." There are three reasons for this.
First, pure science is so specialized and fragmented that it produces few solid results. Second, there is a lack of effective bridges between pure science and industry. I believe that in order to solve this problem we need to shift from the traditional linear model, which progresses from pure research to applications to development research, to a parallel model. Those working in pure science and those in industry may have different goals, but they must continue to advance together. In this sense, the establishment of Riken BOCC is a major step forward.
Third, the public are becoming less accepting of many industrial activities, which is a very serious issue. Research that is carried out with the best of intentions is bringing not only benefits but also risks to society. To avoid these risks, scientists and businesses will need to base their activities on shared values and a more inclusive approach.
When companies have promising technology or research results, they want to use those resources to create new products. They also want to engage in research and development activities, because these are necessary to solve existing problems affecting users and society. The former is known as "seed-oriented" research, and the latter as "need-oriented" research.
We need to bring these together. Scientists working in pure scientific research must understand the needs of society, while those in business need to be aware of the benefits of pure research.
I agree entirely. In a business environment, especially in the area of development, we tend to derive our ideas from our own seeds. This clouds our understanding of the real reasons for our development efforts. In that situation, no amount of additional funding or personnel will bring success.
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