◆ First Application of New "Donation-Based Co-Creation Research System" Approved ◆ Kansai University to Establish "Public Innovation Research Center" ～ A New Industry-Academia Collaboration Research Model Utilizing Corporate Donations ～

Kansai University will establish the "Public Innovation Research Center" within the Faculty of Informatics (Takatsuki Campus) as the first project under the "Donation-Based Co-Creation Research System" newly established this fiscal year. Research activities will commence on April 1, 2026, for a three-year period. Under this new industry-academia collaboration model utilizing corporate donations, the center will promote research that contributes to solving social issues in the public sector. The center will disseminate its research findings widely to society, including the economic, industrial, and municipal sectors of the Kansai region. Heizo Takenaka, an economist and visiting professor at the university, will serve as the representative for this co-creation research.

【Key Points of this Announcement】 ・The "Public Innovation Research Center" has been selected as the first project for donation-based co-creation research. ・An industry-academia research structure will be launched with nine researchers, focusing on case studies of initiatives in other countries. ・Research results will be disseminated widely to society, including the Kansai economic and industrial sectors and local governments. The center will be led by visiting professor Heizo Takenaka.

Purpose and Research Content of the Research Center The center aims to define "Public Innovation"—initiatives where the government influences the activities of private companies and encourages innovation through policy changes and organizational reform—and to theorize these concepts based on case studies from other countries, disseminating the findings to society. The center will start with a team of nine, consisting of six invited professors and researchers from within the university. Research themes include: (1) Case studies and effects of PPP/PFI initiatives in other countries; (2) Case studies and effects of government procurement reforms in other countries; and (3) Case studies of foreign government initiatives that contribute to solving policy issues in the Kansai region and their projected effects.

・Center Name: Public Innovation Research Center ・Location: Faculty of Informatics (Kansai University Takatsuki Campus) ・Duration: April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2029 (3 years)

What is the Donation-Based Co-Creation Research System? The "Donation-Based Co-Creation Research System" allows for the establishment of laboratories funded by donations from companies or other organizations, based on the discretion and policies of the university's faculties. It also envisions the possibility of welcoming researchers from these companies into the university. The goal is to utilize the university's resources—such as expertise, personnel, and facilities—to address long-term themes or social issues that are difficult for companies to develop as part of their own business operations.

Reference Press Release: https://www.kansai-u.ac.jp/ja/assets/pdf/about/pr/press_release/2025/No21.pdf

▼ Details of this matter ▼ Kansai University Press Release https://www.kansai-u.ac.jp/ja/assets/pdf/about/pr/press_release/2026/No3.pdf

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