Evolutions in knowledge production policy and practice in Japan: a case study of an interdisciplinary research institute for disaster science

This paper examines shifts in the knowledge production policy agenda at Japanese research universities - a transition from discipline-based academic tradition towards interdisciplinary forms of knowledge production - through a case study of a leading interdisciplinary research institute. We examine...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of higher education policy and management Vol. 42; no. 2; pp. 230 - 244
Main Authors Yonezawa, Akiyoshi, Hammond, Christopher D., Brotherhood, Thomas, Kitamura, Miwako, Kitagawa, Fumi
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Abingdon Routledge 03.03.2020
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Subjects
Barriers
Case Studies
College Faculty
Crisis Management
disaster science
Disasters
Educational Policy
Engineering Education
Faculty Publishing
Faculty Recruitment
Financial Support
Foreign Countries
Foreign Nationals
Global Approach
Global knowledge production
Higher Education
Humanities
Information Management
Institutes
Interdisciplinary Approach
Interdisciplinary aspects
interdisciplinary research
International Cooperation
Japan
Medical Research
Natural Disasters
Production
Program Administration
Research centers
Research Universities
Science
Science Education
Scientific Research
Social Problems
Social Sciences
Stakeholders
Talent
Teacher Attitudes
Japan
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Summary:This paper examines shifts in the knowledge production policy agenda at Japanese research universities - a transition from discipline-based academic tradition towards interdisciplinary forms of knowledge production - through a case study of a leading interdisciplinary research institute. We examine this transition through the case of Tohoku University, one of seven 'Designated National Universities', and its flagship International Research Institute of Disaster Science. Documentary analysis revealed a renewed emphasis on interdisciplinarity, evident in restructuring towards a 'blended hybrid' model to reconcile the different institutional logics of diverse research traditions among its staff. Interviews with key stakeholders uncovered the internal dynamics of this process, its barriers and opportunities. We conclude with implications for Japanese higher education, arguing that a shift to 'blended hybrid' institutional forms is necessary but insufficient to maintain successful interdisciplinary research institutes. Success is contingent on simultaneous commitment to sustainable international connections and relationships with diverse external stakeholders.
ISSN:1360-080X
1469-9508
DOI:10.1080/1360080X.2019.1701850