#Japan #Tokyo #Innovation Strategy #Corporate R&D #Future Domains

Seminar on Corporate R&D Strategy Redefinition

The upcoming seminar titled "Exploring Corporate R&D Strategy Shift" led by Tohru Takahashi, CEO of New Networks Inc., aims to address critical issues facing corporate research and development. Scheduled for February 24, 2026, from 4 PM to 6 PM JST, this event strives to realign the role and strategy of R&D departments in Japanese companies, which are currently struggling with stagnant stock prices and shifting priorities.

The Context

Japanese technology-based firms have recently been facing declining market values, with many reporting a price-to-book ratio below one. The trend towards development tied directly to business units has led to a decline in corporate R&D initiatives. This shift has fostered an environment prioritizing short-term gains over long-term innovations, stifling the emergence of forward-thinking research topics. Although methodologies like MoT (Management of Technology), stage-gate processes, open innovation, and corporate venture capital have been adopted, they have not significantly contributed to sustainable growth.

As a result, employees within corporate R&D find their career prospects increasingly uncertain. This seminar aims to rethink the position and importance of corporate R&D departments, transforming them into engines for long-term growth and enhanced corporate value.

Goals of the Seminar

1. Reassess the Role of Corporate R&D: Confirm and redefine the significance of corporate R&D within organizations.
2. Develop Future Domain and Portfolio Strategies: Learn how to create strategies that enhance corporate value.
3. Integrate with Strategic Planning: Understand how corporate R&D can align with overall business strategies for enhanced corporate value.
4. Career Pathways for Researchers: Explore viable career options for corporate researchers.

Key Topics

1. Declining Competitiveness

The seminar will address the ongoing decline in corporate R&D due to inadequacies in adapting to long-term market changes. Over the past three decades, Japanese companies have struggled to seize new business opportunities amidst evolving environments, often redirecting resources towards development associated only with business units.

2. Impediments to Growth

The diminishing role of corporate R&D has hampered overall business growth. To harness significant market opportunities—especially in fields such as generative AI and biotechnology—companies must foster organizational agility. A lack of engagement with rapidly evolving ecosystems and insufficient emphasis on enhancing stakeholder value are critical factors.

3. Innovations in R&D Approaches

The seminar will highlight the necessity for corporate R&D departments to evolve alongside innovation trends. Effective strategies may encompass startup collaboration, open innovation, and digital transformation initiatives. Shifting from traditional manufacturing towards creating ecosystem-based business models emphasizes producing customer experiences.

4. Building Future Domain and Portfolio Strategies

One of the primary missions of corporate R&D is developing domain and portfolio strategies that illustrate corporate value enhancement. The seminar will outline processes for strategizing these frameworks and integrating them with top management's vision.

5. Funding Strategies

Corporate R&D can pursue various funding strategies, including appealing to value in promising markets and exploring funding through research theme carve-outs or acquisitions of viable research seeds.

6. Transformation Plans

Participants will learn about actionable transformation scenarios for corporate R&D, including conducting workshops and developing competencies and skills maps for teams.

7. Career Strategies for Researchers

The structure of corporate R&D and advice on crafting effective career plans for researchers, including roles in technology marketing and strategic development, will be discussed. Strategies may also address potential external moves or spins to enhance innovation careers.

8. Q&A Session and Networking

A dedicated Q&A session and opportunities for networking through business card exchange will enable participants to engage with the speakers and other attendees.

Seminar Details

• - Date: February 24, 2026
• - Time: 4 PM - 6 PM JST
• - Location: SSK Seminar Room, Zaimax Nishi-Shinbashi Building, Tokyo
• - Format: In-person and live-stream via Zoom, with an archive available for two weeks post-event.

For more inquiries, feel free to contact the SSK Institute via email at [email protected] or by phone at 03-5532-8850.

The SSK Institute has been providing valuable seminars since 1996, focusing on delivering advanced business intelligence and strategies for evolving market needs. By fostering high-level strategic discussions, the SSK Institute continues to support businesses in identifying growth opportunities in diverse environments.