Importance of inclusive service for corporate use of university research infrastructure in Japan

Research infrastructure, especially research equipment is essential to perform R&D activities. Previous studies have shown that many researchers have used external research equipment that is not owned by their laboratories. To promote innovation, universities are increasingly expected to make their research equipment available as shared core facilities not only on campus but also to other universities or private companies. However, private companies´ current utilization of Japanese universities´ research equipment is very low. Therefore, this study aims to identify hidden barriers to corporate utilization of core facilities in Japan, and proposes ways to overcome them. To accomplish this, an online questionnaire survey was conducted to R&D personnel (n = 926) in 2012. Results revealed that purpose of use, respondent age, and price of research equipment in daily use, differed significantly depending on whether or not the respondent used neighboring universities´ research equipment in the workplace. Further, on-site interviews with core facility management staff, indicated that corporate users often needed technological advice that facilities could not provide due to skilled staff shortages. These results indicated that universities cannot attract corporate users without provide more inclusive service according to users´ needs.