#Japan #Hachioji #Educational Innovation #KOSEN #Cross-Border Talent

KOSEN Conference: Shaping the Future of Cross-Border Talent Development

On October 31, 2023, the National Institute of Technology (KOSEN) held its 3rd Next Generation Education Conference in Hachioji, Tokyo, bringing together over 130 participants from various sectors, including major companies like NEC and Panasonic Energy, industry associations, and governmental agencies such as the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The conference was centered on forging innovative partnerships to address the complexities of the AI and digital era through the development of “cross-border talent.”

The Urgent Need for Cross-Border Talent

As industries undergo dramatic transformations, the necessity for educating talent capable of solving multifaceted social and corporate issues has never been more pressing. Traditional, specialized education alone is insufficient in navigating these challenges. KOSEN's unique approach focuses on an integrated learning model combining theory and practice, cultivated over five years, equipping students with essential qualities such as adaptability and resilience that are crucial for thriving in varied fields.

Message from the President, Kō Taniguchi

In his opening remarks, President Taniguchi emphasized the need for a new educational paradigm that is both diverse and swift. He stated, “The cultivation of cross-border talent, unrestricted by conventional boundaries, is critical for enhancing Japan's competitiveness and fostering innovation in the future.”

Insights from Academia, Industry, and Government

A panel discussion featuring SAKURA Internet, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and KOSEN generated invaluable insights into the strengths of KOSEN students, the barriers to individualized optimization, and the traits that define cross-border talent. Through group work, participants outlined the characteristics needed for the talent of the future:

Strengths of KOSEN Students

• - Problem-solving Ability: Engaging courageously with complex on-site issues.
• - Fearlessness of Failure: A willingness to embrace new challenges.
• - Design Capability: Skillful communication of technical concepts.

Essential Qualities for Cross-Border Talent

• - Bridge-building Skills: Proficiency in connecting across different fields through effective communication.
• - Vision Creation and Sharing: The ability to envision goals and collaboratively share them with teams.
• - Continual Challenge Mindset: Sustaining perseverance in the face of difficulties and accepting evaluations and feedback from others.

Expectations from the Leading Industries

During discussions on the battery supply chain, the significance of integrating various fields - such as materials, chemistry, electrical engineering, machinery, and information technology - was highlighted. This initiative clearly reflects the practical, multidisciplinary talent KOSEN aims to develop.

Formulating Actionable Plans

The participants' discussions led to the proposal of several actionable collaboration programs with timelines:

1. Immediate Actions (to start within the year)
- Training and courses for KOSEN faculty by companies, focusing on introducing the latest technologies into educational settings.
- Company visits, hands-on experiences, and internships to provide real-world industry insights.
- Guest lectures by corporate engineers to directly instruct students.

2. Programs for this Year
- Cross-appointment of corporate engineers to teach classes.
- Joint development of experimental materials and project-based learning curricula through academia-industry cooperation.
- Collaborative research and development projects, alongside challenges and competitions involving students to solve corporate issues.
- Tours of KOSEN institutions to enhance corporate understanding.

3. Planned Programs for the Next Academic Year
- Long-term internship placements to develop practical skills directly in workplaces.
- Summer schools focused on intensive multidisciplinary education.
- Student-inclusive collaborative research on real problem-solving projects.
- Competitions aimed at multidisciplinary problem-solving to enhance growth in competitive environments.
- Curriculum updates based on industry partnerships.

Invitation for Future Collaborations

The transformative changes in society and industries necessitate a swift development of skilled professionals. Building on the outcomes of this conference, KOSEN aims to deepen its collaborations with enterprises further. It is clear that nurturing the next generation of cross-border talent cannot be accomplished by KOSEN alone. Delivering real-world challenges and cutting-edge technological insights into educational spaces is essential for producing professionals skilled in practical problem-solving. Together with industries, we can enhance Japan's competitiveness and accelerate the creation of innovative talents for society.

About the National Institute of Technology (KOSEN)

KOSEN comprises 51 national institutes across Japan, dedicated to producing the engineers required by society through a focused five-year technical education model for graduating junior high school students. The curriculum emphasizes experimental and practical hands-on training from early stages, ensuring students possess knowledge and skills equivalent or superior to university graduates by the age of 20, empowering them to play pivotal roles in Japan's industrial and societal advancements as a manufacturing powerhouse.

For inquiries regarding this release, please contact:
KOSEN Administration Office
Phone: 042-662-3154
Email: [email protected]

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