Taking Innovation Abroad

© iStock / chombosan

We stand at a critical juncture in history not only from a geopolitical standpoint but also in terms of the significance of technological innovation. We need to innovate faster to provide timely solutions for the economic and societal challenges we are facing. Technology transfer, synergies between academia and industry, and international collaboration play pivotal roles in this context.

Germany and Japan are facing similar challenges promoting technology transfer, even as they possess strengths in corresponding technology areas like engineering, precision manufacturing, or medicals/pharmaceuticals. However, the transfer process often remains too little understood, hindering its more targeted promotion. Additionally, transfer structures are still evolving and can benefit greatly from an exchange of experiences and best practices.

Through the examination of case studies from both nations, the two-day symposium “Taking Innovation Abroad” seeks to delve into how Germany and Japan are fostering technology transfer effectively and surmounting associated challenges. The symposium aims not only to identify replicable best practices but also to address challenges collaboratively by facilitating exchange and cooperation within this area. The event will also provide networking opportunities for individuals and organizations interested in expanding their operations to Germany or Japan, connecting stakeholders operating within the same domain.

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Date:

Language: English (with simultaneous interpretation into Japanese)
Entry fee: Not required

Please register via the orange button above

*On-site registration will be closed when capacity is reached.

Program & Speakers

DAY 1: December 4 / Shibuya QWS (hybrid)

[Welcome 15:00-15:15 JST / 07:00-07:15 CET]

Axel Karpenstein
Director, German Centre for Research and Innovation Tokyo (DWIH Tokyo) / German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD Tokyo)

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[Keynote Presentations 15:15–15:45 JST / 07:15–07:45 CET]

”Transfer- Hype or Hope for Innovation?”

Dr. Muriel Helbig
Vice President DAAD/President, Technische Hochschule Lübeck

Profile
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“JST’s Promotion of Technology Transfer and International Cooperation”

Osamu Kobayashi
Director, Department of International Affairs, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)

Profile

 

[Discussion 15:45–16:15 JST / 07:45 – 08:15 CET]

Chair: Dr. Laura Blecken
Head of Programs, DWIH Tokyo

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[Panel Discussion 16:30–18:00 JST / 08:30–10:00 CET]

Panelists:

Valerie Daldrup
International Startup Campus, University of Jena

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Dr. Koji Yasui
Senior Chief Technologist, Factory Automation Systems Group, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

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Yuri Kondo
Coordinator for Industry-Academia Collaboration, Campus Create Co, Ltd

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Alexander Kies
Community Manager at Fraunhofer ICNAP and Research Associate at Fraunhofer IPT

LinkedIn
Research Gate

 

Dr. Hidero Niioka
Entrepreneur, CEO & Founder @ IPNexus, Specially Appointed Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, Investor

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Chair: Axel Karpenstein
Director, German Centre for Research and Innovation Tokyo (DWIH Tokyo) / German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD Tokyo)

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[Reception for all onsite participants in Tokyo 18:30-20:30 JST]


DAY 2: December 5 / Online

[Plenary Online Session 16:00-17:00 JST / 08:00-09:00 CET]

Transfer Landscape in Germany / Transfer Landscape in Japan (actors, programs, support structures)

“Technology Transfer from Science to Industry in Germany”

Dr. Lorenz Granrath
Japan Representative, IXP Institute for Experimental Psychophysioloy

Profile
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“Knowledge Transfer from University to Industry in Japan”

Prof. Dr. Koichi Sumikura
Professor, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies

Profile
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[Parallel Workshops 17:15-18:15 JST / 09:15-10:15 CET]

1) Fostering Entrepreneurship

“Building the basis for future careers and innovation – the roles of Universities, (Early  Career) Researchers and Scientific  Cooperations”

Chair: Dr. Alexander Schwarzkopf
Program Manager International Mobility of Early Career Researchers, Friedrich Schiller University Jena

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2) Connecting Universities and Industry

“Supporting international transfer – for founders, accelerators, transfer offices”

Chair: Axel Karpenstein
Director, German Centre for Research and Innovation Tokyo (DWIH Tokyo) / German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD Tokyo)

LinkedIn

 

Abstract of the workshop:
How to Make Technology Transfer Work – Domestically and Internationally?
In this workshop, we will share experiences from Germany and Japan to delve into the most effective strategies for technology transfer. We will address common obstacles such as differing organizational cultures, varied objectives and time horizons of researchers and firms, as well as information asymmetries. Additionally, we will explore strategies for internationalizing technology transfer, such as expanding the activities of your research network or startup to Germany or Japan.
This is an interactive workshop – please bring your questions, concerns, and ideas to share with everyone!

3) Optics & Photonics

“Focused technology Transfer in Optics and Photonics through Deeptech Startups: use cases  from the Optical Valley, Jena”

Chair: Dr. Sebastian Händschke
Digital Innovation Hub Photonics (DIHP)

Profile
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4) Industry 4.0

“Join Forces for Shaping Networked, Adaptive Production”

Chair: Alexander Kies
Community Manager at Fraunhofer ICNAP and Research Associate at Fraunhofer IPT

LinkedIn
Research Gate

Abstract of the workshop:
How can we overcome the various challenges posed by Industry 4.0 and leverage its potential?
Our approach: Dive into knowledge exchange, cultivate partnerships and ignite joint projects. In a nutshell: let’s build a community to tackle the challenges of digitalization!
At the upcoming workshop, hosted by DWIH Tokyo and Fraunhofer ICNAP, we will jointly discuss with all participants the benefits of digitalizing production and identify approaches of synergistic partnerships in the field of cutting-edge re-search and industrial know-how.
Would you like to learn more about our approach? Join us at the workshop – let’s shape the future of production!

5) Biomedicine

“Accelerating Biomedical Innovation from Lab to Market through Industry-Academia Collaboration”

Chair: Amina Daca
Start-up Support & Innovation Management, Transfer Agency hei_INNOVATION; Heidelberg University

Profile
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Chair: Dr. Johanna Schwarz
Innovation Scout & Transfer Manager, Transfer Agency hei_INNOVATION; Heidelberg University

Profile
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Abstract of the workshop:
This workshop explores the synergy between academia and industry in accelerating biomedical innovation from lab to market within the vibrant Life Science Cluster Rhine-Neckar. Highlighting Heidelberg University’s programs, such as beLAB2122 and Sanofi’s iDEA-iTech Awards, and the entrepreneurial support of BioLabs Heidelberg, we aim to map the landscape of life science innovation in Heidelberg. We look forward to discussions on challenges and opportunities in industry-academia collaboration, fostering a dynamic environment for transformative advancements.

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Informationen zur Veranstaltung

4. bis 5. Dezember 2023

Hybrid (Shibuya QWS) / Online
Veranstalter: DWIH Tokyo / Co-Veranstalter: Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) / Unterstützung: Japanese-German Business Association (DJW) , Start2 Group