Faculty Members

What are the advantages of thinking from an economic perspective? One of the merits of studying economics is that it allows us to consider desirable conditions for society using the simple analytical tools of supply and demand. The economics perspective is efficient when considering the relationship between technology and society from a long-term, bird's eye view. Moreover, it is essential when designing and evaluating technology-related policies. For example, students will be able to make judgments based on theory, rather than current trends and emotions, about whether the government needs to intervene in the market (economic activities conducted by private companies in search of profit) in the first place and how such policies will affect the behavior of companies and individuals, both ex-ante and ex-post. Developing such skills is necessary not only for policymakers but for anyone involved in technology.

MISSION

There are various measures of human happiness, and one of them is the standard of living (material wealth). Economics emphasizes the creation and diffusion of new technologies (innovation), among other factors determining the standard of living. However, the development of new technology is very costly. If the return is not expected to exceed the investment cost, the technology will not be developed, no matter how socially significant it is. Also, no matter how sophisticated technology is, it is meaningless if it does not spread throughout society. On the other hand, some rudimentary technologies can greatly impact society through a strange combination of technologies. In this sense, the development and diffusion of new technologies can be said to be two wheels that improve living standards.

In this laboratory, we conduct quantitative and empirical research on the impact of research conducted at universities and public research institutes on the technological development of companies (spillover), the role of entrepreneurship in the diffusion of new technologies in society, and the effects of policies that promote innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as the conditions for generating such effects. I am conducting empirical research using a quantitative analysis approach. For more information about our research and educational activities, please visit our laboratory website.

For more information about our research and educational activities, please visit our website.
https://sites.google.com/site/nfukugawa/