[Insights from Case Studies of Mid-sized and Small/Medium-sized Manufacturers] Research Report on "Building Organizational Culture" for Sustained Innovation Activities Released

The Japan Productivity Center (hereinafter, JPC) has released a research report on "Building Organizational Culture" for the sustained promotion of innovation activities, based on the research results from the 2025 Monozukuri Competitiveness Study Group.

Details of the report can be found at:

https://www.bpfj.jp/report/manufacturing_r07/

Purpose of the Report

The business environment surrounding Japan's mid-sized and small/medium-sized manufacturers has been changing rapidly and complexly in recent years. Under these circumstances, in order for these companies to continue growing, responses based solely on the extension of conventional approaches are insufficient, and "transformation" through innovation activities is indispensable.

Therefore, this report focuses not on the success or failure of individual innovation projects, but on how to foster an organizational culture that can sustainably promote innovation activities. Specifically, we have set three keywords: "Catalyst for Initiation," "Requirements for Organizational Learning," and "Diffusion Process," and analyzed the flow by which initiatives along these lines promote "building organizational culture" and lead to corporate transformation (Figure 1).

(Figure 1) Overall picture of the analysis framework in this research study

Hints Provided in the Report

Through case studies of six companies, this report meticulously delves into specific examples and organizes practical hints for "building organizational culture" to sustain innovation activities. Each hint clearly indicates who plays what role, providing content that mid-sized and small/medium-sized manufacturers' executives and practitioners can use as a guide when considering implementation in their own companies.

Details of the report can be found at:

https://www.bpfj.jp/report/manufacturing_r07/

【About the Japan Productivity Center】

Established in 1984. Transitioned to a general incorporated foundation in 2013. To achieve steady development of the Japanese economy and a prosperous society, we support the formation of diverse networks among industry, government, and academia, and conduct broad research and policy proposal activities on economic and social issues and the direction of policies surrounding corporate activities.

○ Research Institute Homepage: https://www.bpfj.jp/

○ Inquiries regarding this matter: https://www.bpfj.jp/inquiry/

○ Location: DLX Building 3F, 1-13-1 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

【About the Monozukuri Competitiveness Study Group】

Since fiscal year 2009, the Monozukuri Competitiveness Study Group has brought together experts in related fields, with participation from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as observers, to conduct research on important issues facing Japanese manufacturing industries.

○ Study Group Homepage: https://www.bpfj.jp/manufacturing/

(Reference) Introduction to Previously Published Books

"Overcome the Walls Hindering DX in Manufacturing! 10 Hints Learned from Case Studies"

https://pub.nikkan.co.jp/book/b10039939.html

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4526083070/

"Open Innovation for Mid-sized and Small/Medium-sized Manufacturers to Pave the Way for the Future of Long-Established Companies"

https://pub.nikkan.co.jp/book/b10151732.html

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4526084131/