Business Quote by Kenichi Fukui
““Japanese universities have a chair system that is a fixed hierarchy. This has its merits when trying to work as a laboratory on one theme. But if you want to do original work you must start young, and young people are limited by the chair system. Even if students cannot become assistant professors at an early age they should be encouraged to do original work. ...Industry is more likely to put its research effort into its daily business. It is very difficult for it to become involved in pure chemistry. There is a need to encourage long-range research, even if we don't know its goal and if its application is unknown.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Remarks on Japanese university structure, 1990s
The hierarchical chair system in Japanese universities favors focused lab work but hinders early‑career originality; industry prefers applied research, so long‑term basic science needs support despite uncertain outcomes.
In simple terms: University hierarchy limits young researchers; industry focuses on short‑term goals.
Key Takeaway
Support early independent research and fund speculative science.
Themes
academic hierarchy
research funding
industry‑academia relations
Mood
concerned
optimistic
Type
advisory
policy
When to use this quote
- grant proposals
- young faculty mentorship
- industry collaborations
- long‑term research planning
Key Concepts
basic science
career development
innovation policy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can institutions redesign incentives for early‑career originality?
- What mechanisms can bridge basic research with industry needs?
A Different Perspective
Institutional inertia may resist change; funding cycles favor quick results.
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