Connecting Academia and Industry: The SanSan Consortium Meeting in Okayama

On July 17, 2025, Okayama University, in collaboration with Tottori University, conducted the operating meeting of the "SanSan Consortium" (中国地域産学官連携コンソーシアム) at Tottori University's Tottori Campus. This hybrid event, which allowed for both in-person and online participation, brought together representatives from various institutions to strengthen industry-academia-government partnerships in the region.

The SanSan Consortium comprises 28 academic institutions, including national and private universities as well as junior colleges, and 46 organizations such as local governments and businesses actively working together. This cooperative model serves as a vital network for innovation and development in the Chugoku region of Japan.

At the opening of the meeting, Seiji Kageyama, Director of Tottori University, emphasized the significance of collaboration among industry, academia, and government, reiterating the importance of support for regional development. The consortium’s secretariat shared updates on operational policies, including the fiscal year 2024 project reports and plans for activities in fiscal year 2025, all of which were approved following a thorough discussion.

Special Advisor and Professor Satoshi Murakami from Tottori University presented several groundbreaking examples of industry-academia partnerships. The projects included advancements in arid land science, the burgeoning space industry, and robotic-assisted surgeries, showcasing the innovative spirit at Tottori University.

In concluding remarks, Jun Sakurai, Vice Director of Okayama University, expressed gratitude to all participants and underscored the vital role of cultivating a business-minded attitude among the youth while stressing the necessity for passing on knowledge to the next generation.

Following the meeting, attendees toured the Field Science Center at Tottori University’s Faculty of Agriculture, observing its smart agriculture demonstration fields and facilities. Center Director Kazuyoshi Nonami provided detailed insights on efforts to enhance cultivation techniques for regional specialties, the development of new crop varieties, and initiatives aimed at reducing labor in agricultural processes.

The SanSan Consortium has been pivotal since its establishment as a Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) initiative from 2008 to 2012. Its continuation is quite rare among universities across Japan, highlighting its immense value in fostering long-term collaborative efforts. The consortium is dedicated to furthering innovation and strengthening the ties among universities, junior colleges, local governments, and businesses in the Chugoku region.

This meeting represents more than just an event; it signals a commitment to community development through shared knowledge and resources. The ongoing activities of the SanSan Consortium, which thrive beyond official project timelines, exemplify the dedication of its member institutions to uphold a dynamic environment for fostering innovation.

For more information about the SanSan Consortium and its initiatives, please visit its official page here and find additional resources and updates from Okayama University here.