#Japan #productivity #Tokyo #JMAC #Innovation Forum

Overview of the 29th R&D Innovation Forum

The 29th R&D Innovation Forum will be hosted by the Japan Management Association Consulting (JMAC) on November 11, 2026. The event will focus on the theme of "Productivity in Innovation," addressing the need to eliminate waste and achieve measurable outcomes while navigating uncertainty and failure. This forum will provide insights into what true productivity in innovation means and how to manage and lead R&D towards innovative solutions.

Event Details

• - Date and Time: November 11, 2026, from 13:00 to 17:00, followed by a networking session from 17:30 to 19:30.
• - Venue: Kanda Myojin Hall, 2F Kanda Myojin Cultural Exchange Hall, 2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0021.
• - Participation Fee: 22,000 yen (including tax) per person (including networking session).
• - Capacity: 70 participants.
• - Organizer: Japan Management Association Consulting (JMAC).

Program Schedule

13:00 - Opening Remarks

13:15 - Keynote Speech

Presented by Yuichi Tsuda, Vice Director, JAXA Space Science and Technology, focusing on the successful management and team-building strategies that led to the Hayabusa2 mission.

15:00 - R&D Summit Discussions

Participants will engage in discussions on:
1. Investment decision-making in innovation (PPM).
2. Organizational revitalization.

16:00 - Group Discussions

Exchange of opinions among participants to promote collaborative learning and insights for R&D transformations.

17:30 - Closing Remarks

17:45 - Networking Session

Keynote Speech

The keynote address by Yuichi Tsuda will delve into the Hayabusa2 mission, a remarkable project that successfully returned samples from the asteroid Ryugu in 2020. Tsuda's leadership was pivotal in leading a team of hundreds to overcome numerous uncertainties in a high-stakes environment where failure was not an option. He will share various strategies employed during the mission to navigate limited resources and time constraints, providing valuable insights for R&D leaders facing uncertainties in their own organizations.

Focused Discussions

During the forum, two breakout sessions will address specific aspects of R&D management:

Investment Decision-Making (PPM) Breakout

This session will explore strategies for responsibly investing in innovative projects, particularly those viewed as "problem children." Historically, organizations often prioritize investment in proven concepts rather than embracing riskier, transformative ideas. Participants will discuss how to facilitate strategic investment in the less favored innovations.

Organizational Revitalization Breakout

This session will build upon previous discussions focused on fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration. Participants will examine the key organizational characteristics necessary for generating impactful themes in innovation. They will tackle challenges that inhibit the emergence of new ideas and explore how to cultivate an environment that supports individual contributions while fostering collaboration.

About JMAC

The Japan Management Association Consulting (JMAC) has been instrumental in providing management consulting services since its inception in 1980. With a focus on various fields, including strategy, marketing, R&D, and organization management, the firm employs approximately 370 staff members dedicated to cross-functional consulting solutions.

For further details on the event and to register, visit JMAC's website.