Japans achievements rest largely on the capacity of Japanese businesses to convert scientific and technological discoveries into commercially viable projects and services. This book sets the context for Japans innovation strategy, and places Japanese developments in a global setting. Developments in key sectors - mobile media, products for the countrys growing population of elderly persons, nanotechnology, biotechnology, robotics, photovoltaic energy and targeted urban development - demonstrate the challenges of achievements of Japan in this increasingly important commercial sector. This book explores the nature of innovation in Japan. It begins with an analysis of Japans current situation, focusing on the business environment, the economy and contemporary political conditions, and examines how the country is addressing its most pressing and substantial issues, as well as providing a compelling introduction to Japans innovation and an assessment of the countrys approach to technology, administration, education, and corporate and political change in an age of globalization and economic transformation.
