[Okayama University] SX Platform Symposium: “Building a New Research Infrastructure Enhancement Starting from ‘Borrowing’” Held – Event Video and Materials Also Released

June 8, 2026
National University Corporation Okayama University

https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/

◆Overview

The General Technical Division of Okayama University (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Okayama City; President: Yasutomo Nasu), which constitutes the Technical Supervision and Management Headquarters, held the “SX (Shared Transformation) Platform Symposium: Building a New Research Infrastructure Enhancement Starting from ‘Borrowing’” online on January 30, 2026, at the Co-Creation Innovation Lab “KIBINOVE” on the Tsushima Campus.

This symposium was held as part of the “Research Infrastructure EXPO 2026” organized by the Consortium for Research Infrastructure (CORE), and was planned and operated jointly by the university’s technical and administrative staff, marking the third consecutive year of participation. This year the event was held online, with 214 participants from various occupations including not only university personnel but also companies and government agencies.

Following the opening remarks by President Yasutomo Nasu, Vice President Norihito Sato (in charge of research and industry-academia collaboration), Vice President (in charge of academic affairs), General Technical Division Director, and Senior URA explained the SX Platform. The lecture focused on research equipment that supports Japan’s research infrastructure, noting the deteriorating research environment compared to other countries, and mentioned that a behavioral shift from “buying” to “borrowing” research equipment could strengthen research capabilities and human resource development, as well as enhance the R&D capabilities of Japan’s research equipment manufacturers.

Next, Deputy Director Takayuki Takayama from the Office of the Counselor for Research Environment, Science and Technology Policy Bureau, MEXT, provided a national perspective; Director Shinichi Katagiri from the OI Promotion Department, SI Business Strategy Headquarters, JEOL Ltd., provided a perspective from a scientific instrument manufacturer; and Chief Engineer Masashi Abe from the General Technical Division of Okayama University provided a perspective from technical staff. They offered presentations contributing to the strengthening of research infrastructure at universities and research institutions and to the enhancement of Japan’s research and innovation.

After each lecture, a talk session was held with Vice President Sato as moderator, and panelists including Senior Policy Researcher Yasuhiro Takamura from the Research Environment Group, Science and Technology Innovation Promotion Office, Cabinet Office; Director Katagiri; and Chief Engineer Abe. Topics covered included the high costs of purchasing and maintaining research equipment, the realities of leasing and rental, and the benefits to Japan’s research field from revitalizing the secondhand market. Active discussions took place on the effectiveness of the “borrowing” option provided by the SX Platform.

At the end of the program, CORE Vice Chairperson and Director Seiko Oka commented, “Today’s discussions truly embodied the theme of the Research Infrastructure EXPO 2026, ‘Co-creating Research Infrastructure: A New Stage Unlocked by Innovation and Collaboration.’ I am confident that the way universities, university staff, researchers, corporate staff, government officials, and companies share challenges from the same perspective and envision the future will support the research infrastructure going forward.”

Okayama University will continue to take ownership of the challenges of other universities and institutions, and will continue to decide and act to solve problems, in order to strengthen research and innovation throughout Japan. As a university selected for the “Promotion of Regional Core and Distinctive Research Universities (J-PEAKS)” program, we look forward to the ongoing changes and challenges of Okayama University, a research university that co-creates the future of the region and the planet and realizes social change, as well as the activities of the technical staff who support it.

The video of the symposium is available on the Okayama University YouTube channel, and the materials are posted on the website of the Consortium for Research Infrastructure (CORE) “Research Infrastructure EXPO 2026.” Please take this opportunity to view them.

This matter was released on June 7, 2026.

〇Comment from President Yasutomo Nasu
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all involved for being able to hold the symposium as part of the Research Infrastructure EXPO again this year. This SX (Shared Transformation) Platform is an unprecedented rental/lease service that offers free installation, maintenance, repair, and removal costs. Purchase the minimum necessary research equipment and borrow the rest at a good deal. I feel that this SX Platform is a “litmus test” to measure the seriousness of universities and research institutions in terms of financial management and university-wide research equipment maintenance and management to truly improve the research environment and infrastructure.
Our universities must change. There are many opportunities to do so. It is important to pick them up, decide to act, and implement change. We will continue to take on challenges that promote change, keeping in mind the perspective of “for the whole nation” rather than “for Okayama University.” We look forward to seeing changes in Japan’s universities and research institutions.

〇Symposium Materials

Please view them on the website of the Consortium for Research Infrastructure (CORE) “Research Infrastructure EXPO 2026” below.

https://www.jcore2023.jp/activities/expo/expo2026/

〇Symposium Video

Please view it on the Okayama University YouTube channel below (1:52:19).

https://youtu.be/I87JAU7MqQE