As the second largest economic center in Japan, Osaka occupies an important position in the scientific and technological innovation landscape of the country and even Asia. The city not only has a long business tradition, but also has successfully transformed into a modern technological innovation hub with its strong industrial base and rich talent resources.

In recent years, the Osaka government has actively promoted industry-university-research cooperation and created a vibrant technological innovation ecosystem. This ecosystem brings together top research institutions, innovative enterprises and supportive policies to form an innovation network that promotes each other and develops together. From life sciences to artificial intelligence, new materials to green technologies, Osaka’s science and technology parks are driving breakthrough innovation in various fields. By integrating local resources and attracting international talents, Osaka is gradually establishing its status as one of the global science and technology innovation centers, providing enterprises with a development environment full of opportunities.

Overview of Osaka’s major science and technology parks

1.1 Osaka Science & Technology Center

Osaka Science and Technology Center is located in the center of Osaka and is one of the city’s most representative technology parks. This center was established in 1960. After decades of development, it has become an important bridge connecting academia and industry. The center houses a number of cutting-edge research laboratories covering a wide range of fields from materials science to biotechnology. It is unique in that it not only provides advanced research facilities but also actively promotes industry-academia collaboration. The center regularly holds scientific and technological forums and seminars to provide a communication platform for researchers and entrepreneurs. In addition, the center operates a technology incubator that provides start-ups with office space, experimental equipment and business consulting services. The rent here is relatively reasonable, and there are especially preferential policies for start-ups, attracting many emerging technology companies to settle here.

1.2 Saito Life Science Park

Saito Life Science Park is located in northern Osaka and is an innovation base focusing on life sciences and biotechnology. What makes this park unique is its high degree of specialization, focusing on cutting-edge fields such as pharmaceutical research and development, bioinformatics and regenerative medicine. The park houses the R&D centers of several pharmaceutical companies, biotech start-ups and university research institutes. Its core facilities include advanced biological laboratories, animal experiment centers and large-scale data processing centers. The design concept of the park emphasizes the integration of industry, academia and research, and encourages cross-institutional cooperation. In order to attract international talents, the park also provides comfortable living facilities, including international schools and medical centers. Although the rent here may be slightly higher than in the city center, it is still very attractive considering the professional facilities and industrial cluster effect.

1.3 Osaka Innovation Hub

Located in the Knowledge Capital in the heart of Osaka, the Osaka Innovation Center is a platform dedicated to promoting open innovation. The center is characterized by flexibility and diversity and is not restricted to specific industries, but encourages cross-sector collaboration. The center provides shared workspaces, conference rooms and exhibition areas, suitable for various innovative projects and entrepreneurial teams. Entrepreneurship competitions, innovation workshops and investment matchmaking meetings are often held here, providing entrepreneurs with opportunities to showcase their ideas and find partners. The center also has a dedicated international exchange area designed to promote cooperation between local enterprises and overseas companies. In terms of rent, the center adopts a flexible pricing strategy, with corresponding plans from short-term leasing to long-term occupancy, which is especially suitable for companies that need to quickly start projects.

1.4 Umeda Innovation Center (Grand Front Osaka)

Umeda Innovation Center is a comprehensive innovation space located in Osaka’s most prosperous business district. Part of the Grand Front Osaka complex, the center combines business, technology and cultural elements. The design concept of the center is to create a “living laboratory” that allows innovation to directly connect with urban life. There are not only office spaces and R&D laboratories, but also retail areas, cultural exhibition spaces and public lounge areas. The center places special emphasis on innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and smart cities. A distinctive feature is its “Future Life Display Area,” where companies can display and test the latest consumer technology products. Although the rent here is relatively high, its excellent location and comprehensive supporting facilities make it the first choice for many high-tech companies. The center also maintains close cooperation with surrounding universities and research institutions to provide abundant talent resources and research support for settled companies.

Comparative Analysis Of Parks

2.1 Rent comparison

Rental levels in Osaka’s technology parks are generally lower than those in Tokyo, but there are significant differences between parks. The rent in the Osaka Science and Technology Center is the most affordable, with a monthly rent of 8,000-12,000 yen per square meter. A tiered pricing strategy is adopted here: start-ups can enjoy a preferential price of as low as 8,000 yen/square meter/month. As the scale of the enterprise expands, the rent gradually increases to normal levels. For high-tech enterprises, the park also provides an additional 15% rental discount for a period of 3 years.

Due to its professional facilities, the rent in Saito Life Science Park is slightly higher, about 10,000-15,000 yen/square meter/month. The park provides a “life science incubation program” for biotechnology start-ups. Qualified companies can enjoy a 40% rent reduction in the first year and 20% in the second year for a period of three years. In addition, the park also provides exclusive laboratories for industry-university cooperation projects, with rents as low as 50% of the market price to promote the commercialization of academic research results.

Osaka Innovation Center adopts flexible pricing and can enjoy discounts on long-term leases. The average rent is between 9,000-13,000 yen/square meter/month. There is a special “Innovation Laboratory” here, which allows companies to use a full set of office facilities and shared laboratories for a fixed fee of 50,000 yen per month, which is suitable for early-stage entrepreneurial teams. For companies that have been stationed for more than two years and can prove their innovative results, they can receive additional rent rebates, up to 25% of the rent paid.

Umeda Innovation Center has a strategic location and the highest rent, reaching 15,000-20,000 yen/square meter/month. Although the rent is relatively high, the park has launched an “Innovative Enterprise Support Plan”, which can provide rent subsidies of up to 30% for a period of two years to high-potential technology enterprises. In addition, the park also provides an additional 10% rental discount for companies that introduce top international talents.

Compared with Tokyo, Osaka has obvious rental advantages. The rent in similar parks in Tokyo is usually 30-50% higher. For example, in the Technology Park in Roppongi Hills, Tokyo, the rent can reach 25,000-35,000 yen/square meter/month. This makes Osaka an ideal location for businesses, especially startups. Osaka’s rental advantages are not only reflected in the absolute amount, but also in flexible preferential policies and targeted support measures, which provide strong support for the long-term development of enterprises.

2.2 Policy support

The Osaka Prefecture and City Government have provided comprehensive policy support to enterprises in science and technology parks, including tax incentives , entrepreneurial subsidies and financial support , special support policies for foreign enterprises , talent support policies , industry-university-research cooperation support , etc. The details are as follows:

Osaka has implemented comprehensive tax incentives to attract and support innovative companies. Newly established innovative enterprises in the park can enjoy a corporate tax reduction of up to 40% for the first three years. For R&D-intensive enterprises, their R&D expenditures can receive tax credits of up to 12%, and for key areas such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology, the tax credits can reach 15%. New equipment and factories purchased by innovative small and medium-sized enterprises can receive full exemption from fixed asset tax and urban planning tax for up to 5 years. In addition, companies that introduce advanced overseas technologies can also enjoy tariff reductions and exemptions on imported equipment.

Osaka has established a multi-level financial support system. The “Innovation Challenge Funding Program” provides free funding of up to 10 million yen for early-stage entrepreneurial projects, focusing on areas such as AI, Internet of Things, and biotechnology. “Osaka Growth Fund” provides preferential loans to companies in the growth stage, with loan amounts up to 500 million yen, annual interest rates as low as 0.7%, and repayment terms up to 10 years. In addition, Osaka Prefecture has cooperated with private equity funds to establish a “Technology Innovation Venture Capital Fund” with a total scale of 10 billion yen, specifically investing in high-potential technology companies in the park. For projects with disruptive technologies, there is also a “Future Technology Incubation Fund” that provides seed round investment of up to 200 million yen.

In order to attract international innovation forces, Osaka has formulated a series of support policies for foreign enterprises. The “International Business Introduction Subsidy” can cover up to 50% of the initial establishment costs, up to a maximum of 20 million yen. The “Global Innovator Program” provides international entrepreneurs with a special work visa of up to 5 years and provides living placement services. Osaka has also established a one-stop service center for foreign companies to provide free business consultation, administrative procedure assistance, and docking services with local companies. For foreign companies that introduce key technologies, Osaka Prefecture also provides technology introduction incentives of up to 100 million yen.

Talent is the core of innovation, and Osaka invests heavily in talent policies. The “Osaka Talent Cultivation Plan” provides free skills improvement training for employees of enterprises in the park, covering cutting-edge fields such as AI, big data, and biotechnology. The “High-end Talent Housing Subsidy” provides a monthly housing subsidy of up to 100,000 yen for introduced high-level talents for a period of 3 years. In addition, Osaka has also launched the “International Talent Green Card Program” to provide high-end foreign talents working in the park with a quick path to permanent residence.

Osaka attaches great importance to collaborative innovation among industry, academia and research institutes. The “Industry-Academic Collaborative Innovation Fund” provides matching funds of up to 50 million yen for joint R&D projects between enterprises and universities. The “Technology Transfer Award Program” provides incentives of up to 100 million yen to companies that successfully transform university research results into commercial applications. Osaka has also established technology transfer offices in various universities to build a bridge for cooperation between enterprises and research institutions. For universities that set up R&D centers in the park, the government provides construction subsidies of up to 50%.

These policies not only significantly reduce the operating costs of enterprises, but also provide enterprises with sufficient financial and talent support, greatly promoting the innovative development of Osaka Science and Technology Park. The diversity and pertinence of policies enable companies at different stages of development and in different fields to find support measures that suit them, effectively promoting the formation and development of Osaka’s innovation ecosystem.

2.3 Industrial clusters

Osaka’s science and technology parks have formed distinctive industrial characteristics and built a complete industrial ecosystem.

Osaka Science and Technology Center: Taking new materials, environmental protection technology and information and communications as its main development directions. The park brings together a number of industry leaders, such as Panasonic’s new energy department, Sharp’s display technology R&D center, Mitsubishi Electric’s Intelligent Manufacturing Research Institute, etc. In terms of research institutions, the Osaka Industrial Technology Research Institute and the Kansai University Nanotechnology Research Center provide strong scientific research support for the park.

In terms of supporting industrial chain, the park has formed a complete industrial chain from material supply, equipment manufacturing to system integration. More than 50 related supporting companies have settled in the park, including precision instrument manufacturers, software development companies, etc. This industrial agglomeration effect has greatly shortened the cycle from research and development to industrialization of new technologies. The park also has a “Material Innovation Center” to provide advanced material testing and small batch production services to small and medium-sized enterprises, effectively reducing innovation costs.

Caidu Life Science Park: focuses on the fields of biomedicine and medical devices. The park houses Takeda Pharmaceutical’s R&D center, Ono Pharmaceutical’s Cancer Immunotherapy Research Institute, Nippon Koden’s Medical Device Innovation Center and other heavyweight companies. In terms of research institutions, Osaka University School of Medicine and the National Circulatory Disease Research Center provide strong academic support for the park.

The supporting industrial chain covers the entire chain from basic research, clinical trials to production and sales. The park has production facilities that meet GMP standards and can realize small batch production and pilot testing. At the same time, it has introduced a number of CROs (Contract Research Organizations) and CMOs (Contract Manufacturing Organizations) to provide a full range of services for biopharmaceutical companies. The park has also established a “biosample bank” and “clinical data center”, which has greatly accelerated the process of new drug research and development. It is particularly worth mentioning that the park has established a “Regenerative Medicine Industrialization Support Center” to provide one-stop services from cell culture to product development for this emerging field.

Osaka Innovation Center: Taking artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and financial technology as its main development directions. The park has attracted well-known technology companies such as NTT Data’s AI R&D center, Nomura Research Institute’s financial technology laboratory, and Preferred Networks. In terms of research institutions, the Osaka Institute of Technology AI Research Institute and the Kansai Fintech Association provide academic and industry support to the park.

The supporting industry chain forms a complete ecosystem of data collection, algorithm development, and application implementation. There are dozens of data service companies, cloud computing service providers and system integrators in the park, providing necessary infrastructure and service support for AI and IoT enterprises. The park has specially set up a “5G Innovation Laboratory” to provide enterprises with the latest communication technology testing environment. In addition, the establishment of the “Fintech Sandbox” provides an ideal platform for the development and testing of innovative financial products.

Umeda Innovation Center: focuses on the development of smart cities, digital media and design innovation. In the park, there are innovative enterprises such as Hitachi Manufacturing’s Smart City Solution Center, Dentsu’s Digital Marketing Laboratory, and Nintendo’s User Experience Design Center. In terms of research institutions, the Osaka City University Creative Design Institute provides design innovation support for the park.

The supporting industrial chain covers the entire process from conceptual design, technology development to market application. The park has a “Smart City Experience Center” to provide enterprises with practical application scenario testing. The “Digital Content Production Center” is equipped with the most advanced VR/AR equipment to support the creation of new generation digital media content. In addition, the park has also established a “Design Thinking Laboratory” to promote cross-industry and cross-field innovation cooperation.

These industrial clusters not only gather core companies in their respective fields, but also attract a large number of upstream and downstream supporting companies to settle in, forming a complete industrial ecosystem. From R&D, production to market application, enterprises can find a full range of partners in the park, which greatly improves innovation efficiency and industrialization speed.

2.4 Infrastructure and supporting services

Osaka Science and Technology Park’s infrastructure and supporting services are first-class, providing comprehensive support for settled companies.

Caidu Life Science Park is equipped with biosafety level 3 laboratories, drug screening centers and clinical trial facilities that meet international standards. The park also has a pilot production line that complies with GMP standards, which can meet the needs of the entire process from small trial to pilot trial. The Osaka Science and Technology Center has an advanced materials testing center and environmental simulation laboratory, equipped with high-resolution electron microscopes, X-ray diffractometers and other cutting-edge equipment. The Osaka Innovation Center has a 5G communication laboratory and an artificial intelligence computing center to provide enterprises with high-performance computing resources and the latest communication technology testing environment.

Each park has a multi-functional conference center and exhibition hall. The “Future Life Exhibition Area” of the Umeda Innovation Center is particularly eye-catching, covering an area of ​​5,000 square meters and providing a platform for companies to interact directly with consumers. The Osaka Science and Technology Center has an international conference hall that can accommodate 1,000 people, and holds many high-level academic conferences and technical forums every year. The “Life Science Exhibition Center” in Caidu Life Science Park is specially used to display the latest biomedical research results and medical devices.

Incubators and accelerator programs are widely available in various campuses. The Osaka Innovation Center’s “Entrepreneurship Acceleration Camp” provides start-ups with six months of intensive training and coaching, including business model optimization, financing matching and other services. Caidu Life Science Park has a “Biomedicine Entrepreneurship Incubator”, which in addition to providing laboratory and office space, is also equipped with a team of experienced industry mentors. The “Design Thinking Laboratory” of the Umeda Innovation Center is committed to cultivating cross-border innovative talents and promoting integrated innovation between different fields.

In terms of business facilities, banks, post offices, express delivery service centers, etc. are generally located in the park. The Osaka Innovation Center also has an intellectual property service center that provides professional services such as patent applications and technology transfer. In terms of living facilities, each park is equipped with restaurants, cafes, fitness centers and other facilities. Caidu Life Science Park also has international schools and employee apartments, which greatly facilitates the work and life of international talents.

Each park also provides some special service facilities based on its own characteristics. For example, the “Material Recycling Center” of the Osaka Science and Technology Center is committed to promoting the development of circular economy; the “Digital Art Studio” of the Umeda Innovation Center provides professional creative space for the digital creative industry; the “Blockchain Laboratory” of the Osaka Innovation Center “, providing a safe testing environment for financial technology innovation.

It is worth mentioning that each park has adopted an intelligent management system. Through the Internet of Things and big data technology, intelligent monitoring and energy optimization management of park facilities are realized. Enterprises can easily book conference rooms and experimental equipment through mobile applications, which greatly improves resource utilization efficiency.

These advanced infrastructure and comprehensive supporting services not only meet the R&D and operational needs of enterprises, but also greatly reduce the initial investment of enterprises, creating a good innovation environment and development conditions for settled enterprises.

2.5 Talent resources

Osaka has abundant talent resources, thanks to its high-quality higher education system and open talent policy.

Osaka and its surrounding areas are home to many well-known universities and research institutions. Universities such as Osaka University, Osaka City University, and Kansai University provide a large number of high-quality talents to various fields every year. Osaka University, in particular, enjoys a global reputation for its research capabilities in life sciences, materials science and other fields. In addition, there are national research institutions such as the Osaka Center of the Institute of Physics and Chemistry and the Kansai Center of the Institute of Advanced Industrial Technology, which provide strong scientific research support for the park.

The Osaka Science and Technology Center has established close cooperative relationships with these universities and regularly holds campus job fairs and internship projects. Saito Life Science Park has even established a joint research center with Osaka University School of Medicine to promote in-depth integration of industry, academia and research. This close cooperation not only provides a sufficient supply of talents for the enterprises in the park, but also provides favorable conditions for the rapid transformation of scientific research results.

In terms of talent introduction policies, Osaka has implemented a series of attractive measures:

• Global Talent Zone Program: Provides expedited visa processing and pathways to permanent residency for highly skilled foreign professionals. Qualified foreigners can obtain permanent residency within 5 years, much faster than the regular 10-year requirement.
• Talent introduction subsidy: Enterprises in the park can enjoy talent introduction subsidies, up to 30% of the annual salary of foreign senior talents as a subsidy for a period of 3 years.
• “Osaka International Talent Cultivation Program”: Provides two-year training and internship opportunities for fresh graduates from overseas to cultivate international talents who are familiar with Japanese culture and business environment.
• Employment support for spouses: Provide employment consultation and job opportunity matching for spouses of imported talents, solving the worries of many high-end talents.

Osaka has also established a complete talent training system to meet the needs of innovative development:

• “Innovation Skills Training Center”: Cooperates with major universities to provide short-term training courses for in-service personnel in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, big data, and biotechnology.
• “Osaka Entrepreneurship Academy”: Provides systematic entrepreneurial knowledge training and practical guidance for talents who are interested in entrepreneurship.
• “Industrial Doctoral Project”: supports employees in the industry to pursue doctoral degrees while working in enterprises, and promotes the in-depth integration of industry, academia and research.

Osaka Science and Technology Park has a high degree of internationalization, especially in Saito Life Science Park and Umeda Innovation Center, where the proportion of foreign employees can reach 20-30%. This diversified talent structure greatly promotes the collision of innovative thinking and the expansion of international horizons. In order to meet the needs of internationalization, multi-language services are generally provided in the park, including English, Chinese, etc. Regularly held international exchange activities, such as “Osaka International Innovation Week” and “Asia-Pacific Biotechnology Forum”, further enhance international technical exchanges and cooperation.

In order to attract and retain talents, Osaka has also established a comprehensive talent service system . For example, the “One-stop Service Center for International Talents ” provides a full range of services from work visas, housing rentals to children’s education. “Innovative Talent Club” provides exclusive social and leisure space for high-end talents and promotes cross-field exchanges. “Spouse Career Development Center” provides career planning, skills training and employment opportunities for migrant spouses. Through these diversified talent policies and services, Osaka has successfully attracted and cultivated a large number of high-quality innovative talents, providing strong intellectual support for the sustainable development of science and technology parks.

2.6 Transportation convenience

The transportation convenience of Osaka Science and Technology Park is one of its important advantages, and each park has its own unique transportation advantages .

Osaka Science and Technology Center : Located in the central business district of Osaka . It is only a 10-minute walk from Osaka Station and is a major hub for JR lines, private railways and subways . You can directly reach Kansai International Airport through the JR line, which takes about an hour by car . At the intersection of the Subway Midosuji Line and Tanimachi Line, you can easily reach all areas of Osaka City . For airport connections , take the JR Limited Express “Haruka”, which takes 35 minutes to Kansai International Airport ; the bus service goes directly to Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport), which takes about 30 minutes . Transportation within the park is accessible on foot and by bicycle . The park used to have electric shuttle buses that shuttled between major buildings on a regular basis with intensive frequency .

Saito Life Science Park: located in the northern satellite city of Osaka . It is about a 30-minute drive from Umeda, Osaka , and is directly connected to the Hankyu Electric Railway Saito Line. The terminal station “Saito Nishi” is within the park . There are also dedicated shuttle buses connecting the nearest metro stations, ensuring easy access to the city center . It is about a 20-minute drive from Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport) , and provides a direct bus service to and from Kansai International Airport, which takes about 90 minutes . There are self-driving shuttle buses in the park, connecting major facilities , and there are complete bicycle lanes .

Osaka Innovation Center: Located in the Osaka Central Business District . It is adjacent to Honmachi Station and is the intersection of the Midosuji Subway Line and the Chuo Line ; it is within walking distance of many subway lines, including the Yotsubashi Line and the Sakaisuji Line . You can take the subway directly to Nankai Electric Railway Namba Station and transfer to the limited express “Rapi:t” (Rapi:t) to Kansai International Airport, which takes about 50 minutes . You can take the airport bus directly to Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport), which takes about 40 minutes. . The interior of the park adopts a compact design, with the main facilities concentrated within walking distance . There is an intelligent elevator system to optimize the flow of people and reduce waiting time .

Umeda Innovation Center: Directly connected to Osaka Station, it is the intersection of JR lines, private railways and subways ; it only takes about 40 minutes to Kansai Airport (using the JR Limited Express “はるか”) ; the subway Midosuji Line, Tanimachi Line and Yotsubashi Line All can be reached directly . JR Limited Express “はるか” goes directly to Kansai International Airport in 37 minutes at the fastest ; you can also use the airport bus to go directly to Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport) in about 30 minutes . You can walk and bike inside the park . The road network covers the entire park , and there is also an intelligent shared bicycle system to facilitate short-distance movement within the park .

In addition, Osaka is advancing new transportation construction plans, including: subway line extension . It is planned to extend the Midosuji Line northward directly to Saito Life Sciences Park, which is expected to be completed in 2026. It is planned to build a new Hokuriku Shinkansen station in the Umeda area to further enhance connections with Tokyo and other places. Introduce 5G-based intelligent traffic management systems in each park to optimize traffic flow. During the 2025 Osaka Expo, an air taxi service will be introduced on a pilot basis to connect major parks and airports. These transportation advantages and future plans not only provide convenience for employees in the park, but also greatly enhance the attraction of the park to domestic and foreign enterprises and talents.

Characteristic Projects And Successful Cases Of Each Park

3.1 Introduction to the park’s characteristic innovation projects

Each science and technology park has its own unique innovative projects. These projects not only reflect the development direction of the park, but also become an important factor in attracting enterprises to settle in. Taking Shenzhen High-tech Zone as an example, it focuses on the development of strategic emerging industries such as new generation information technology, biomedicine, and new energy. A number of professional incubators have been set up in the park, such as the Shenzhen Beidou Star Communication Technology Research Institute, which focuses on the research, development and industrialization of Beidou navigation application technology. These incubators provide a good growth environment for start-ups and promote technological innovation and industrial upgrading.

In addition, Zhongguancun Science and Technology Park launched the “Zhongguancun Artificial Intelligence Innovation Center” project, aiming to build the world’s leading artificial intelligence industry cluster. The center not only attracted leading companies such as Baidu and SenseTime to settle in, but also cultivated a large number of innovative small and medium-sized enterprises in the field of artificial intelligence. By building an industry-university-research platform, the park promotes the application of artificial intelligence technology in medical care, education, intelligent manufacturing and other fields, and promotes the coordinated development of the entire industry chain.

3.2 Case analysis of successfully settled companies

The success of science and technology parks is inseparable from the presence and development of high-quality enterprises. Take Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. as an example. It settled in Shenzhen High-tech Zone in 1990. After nearly 30 years of development, it has become the world’s leading provider of ICT (information and communications) infrastructure and smart terminals. Huawei’s success is due to the preferential policies, complete infrastructure and strong innovation atmosphere provided by the park. The company has established multiple R&D centers in the park and maintains close cooperation with surrounding universities and research institutes, forming a good industry-university-research ecosystem.

Another success story is Xiaomi Technology Co., Ltd. Xiaomi was established in Zhongguancun Science and Technology Park in 2010 and has developed into a world-renowned smartphone and smart hardware company in just a few years. The park provides Xiaomi with sufficient talent resources, financing channels and policy support. Xiaomi makes full use of the innovation resources in the park to continuously launch market-leading smart products and gradually build an ecosystem including mobile phones, smart homes, and Internet of Things platforms. Xiaomi’s rapid growth has also led to the gathering of a large number of upstream and downstream companies in the park, forming a complete industrial chain.

These successful cases fully demonstrate that science and technology parks not only provide physical space for enterprises, but more importantly, create an ecological environment conducive to innovation and development. By integrating various resources, the park provides enterprises with all-round support to help them stand out in the fierce market competition and ultimately achieve a mutually beneficial and win-win development pattern.

Settlement Process And Matters Needing Attention

4.1 Overview of application process

The application process for settling in a science and technology park usually involves multiple steps, aiming to ensure that the settled companies are in line with the development direction of the park and at the same time provide convenient services to the companies. First, companies interested in moving in need to submit a preliminary application to the park management department, including basic company information and development plans. The park will conduct a preliminary review of the application to evaluate whether the enterprise meets the park’s industrial positioning and development strategy. Companies that pass the preliminary review will be invited for detailed negotiations, and both parties will have in-depth discussions on conditions for settlement, preferential policies, etc.

After reaching an agreement in the negotiations, the company needs to submit formal application materials for settlement. The park management department will organize an expert committee to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the application and examine the company’s technical level, innovation capabilities, market prospects, etc. After passing the assessment, both parties sign a settlement agreement, agreeing on specific settlement conditions, preferential policies and responsibilities of both parties. Finally, the company completed registration, decoration and other procedures in accordance with the agreement and officially settled in the park. The entire process usually takes 1-3 months, and the specific time varies depending on the park and enterprise conditions.

4.2 Required documents and qualification requirements

Admission to a technology park usually requires a series of documents and qualifications. First of all, the enterprise needs to provide basic industrial and commercial registration documents, including business license, organization code certificate, and tax registration certificate (or three-in-one business license). Secondly, enterprises need to provide materials that can prove their technological innovation capabilities, such as patent certificates, software copyright certificates, high-tech enterprise certification, etc. For enterprises that have not yet been established, detailed business plans and technical solutions are required.

In addition, the company also needs to provide proof of financial status, including an audit report or financial statement for the most recent year. For entrepreneurial teams, it may be necessary to provide resumes and relevant qualification certificates of core members. Some parks may also require enterprises to provide development plans for the next 3-5 years to evaluate their fit with the park’s development strategy. It is worth noting that specific document requirements may vary in different parks and different types of enterprises. For example, biopharmaceutical companies may need to provide relevant qualification licenses, while artificial intelligence companies may need to provide relevant instructions for algorithms or models.

4.3 Frequently Asked Questions and Solutions

Q1: If the company is small in scale, is there any opportunity to settle in a well-known technology park?

A1: Many science and technology parks have special entrepreneurial incubation areas, welcoming potential small and micro enterprises and entrepreneurial teams to settle in. Enterprises can focus on demonstrating their technological innovation capabilities and market potential to increase their chances of settling in.

Q2: After moving in, how to enjoy the preferential policies of the park?

A2: Enterprises need to proactively communicate with the park management department to understand the specific application procedures for various preferential policies. Usually, the park will organize policy briefings on a regular basis, and enterprises should actively participate and prepare relevant materials as required to apply for discounts.

Q3: If the industry of the enterprise does not completely match the leading industry of the park, is it possible to settle there?

A3: You can try to apply. Many parks are promoting industrial diversification and welcome enterprises with innovation and development potential to settle in. Enterprises can focus on explaining how their technology can create synergy with existing industries in the park.

Q4: After settling in, I find that the business conditions are not as good as expected. Can I exit early?

A4: Most parks allow companies to exit early, but they may be required to bear certain liability for breach of contract. It is recommended to read the relevant terms carefully when signing the settlement agreement, and negotiate a flexible exit mechanism with the park if necessary.

Q5: Are there any additional charges for the park’s supporting services?

A5: This depends on the specific campus policy. Some basic services may be included in the rental price, while professional services may cost extra. It is recommended to learn more about the charging standards of various services before moving in.

Q6: How to solve the talent shortage problem that may be faced after settling in?

A6: Many parks have established cooperative relationships with surrounding universities to provide talent introduction and training services. Enterprises can actively participate in job fairs organized by the park, and can also apply for talent introduction subsidies in the park.

Q7: How to obtain financing support after settling in?

A7: Parks usually hold investment and financing matchmaking meetings on a regular basis, and may also have special investment funds. Enterprises should actively participate in these activities, and at the same time, they can seek recommendations from the park and connect with more investment institutions.

Q8: How to protect the intellectual property rights of enterprises after settling in the park?

A8: Most science and technology parks have intellectual property service centers that provide patent application, trademark registration and other services. Enterprises should make full use of these resources and establish their own intellectual property management system. Parks usually also organize intellectual property protection training, and companies should actively participate in it to improve protection awareness and capabilities.

Q9: The office space in the park is limited. How to solve the problem of insufficient space after the company develops rapidly?

A9: Many parks have reserved space for corporate expansion. Enterprises can communicate with the park management department to apply for larger office space. Some campuses also provide flexible office space that can be flexibly adjusted according to corporate needs. If there is indeed no suitable space within the park, the management department will usually assist the company in finding suitable sites nearby.

Q10: Are there any opportunities for exchanges and cooperation among the settled companies?

A10: The park usually organizes exchange activities between enterprises on a regular basis, such as industry forums, technical seminars, etc. Enterprises can actively participate in these activities and look for cooperation opportunities. Some parks also have online communication platforms to facilitate enterprises to communicate and cooperate at any time.

Q11: If a company needs special experimental equipment or production facilities, can the park provide support?

A11: Many technology parks have public technology platforms or shared laboratories equipped with various high-end equipment. Enterprises can apply to use these facilities and save large equipment investments. For special needs, the park may assist companies in customizing solutions or introducing related equipment.

Q12: After settling in, how can companies enjoy the international resources of the park?

A12: Science and technology parks often have rich international cooperation resources. Enterprises can participate in international exchange activities organized by the park, such as exhibitions, inspections, etc. Some parks also provide international market expansion services to help companies connect with overseas customers and partners.

Q13: Will the rent in the park increase over time? How to deal with it?

A13: Rent changes are usually stipulated in the occupancy agreement. Enterprises should clarify the rent adjustment mechanism when signing contracts. Some parks will provide rent discounts or subsidies for high-growth companies, and companies can apply for these policies based on their own development conditions.

Q14: If the business direction of the company changes, will it affect its status in the park?

A14: Enterprises should promptly communicate changes in business direction with the park management department. If the new direction still fits the campus’s identity, there’s usually no problem. If the deviation is large, a re-evaluation may be required. Parks will generally be comprehensively considered based on the innovation capabilities and development potential of enterprises.

Q15: Does the park provide professional services such as legal consultation? How to get it?

A15: Most science and technology parks have legal service centers or cooperate with law firms to provide legal consultation, contract review and other services to settled companies. Enterprises can reserve these services through the park service platform, and some basic consultations may be free.

Comparison between Osaka Science and Technology Park and other Japanese cities

5.1 Comparison with Tokyo Science Park

There are significant differences between Osaka Science Park and Tokyo Science Park in many aspects. These differences reflect the economic structure, industrial characteristics and development strategies of the two cities. As the capital and economic center of Japan, Tokyo’s technology parks focus more on cutting-edge fields such as information technology, financial technology and artificial intelligence. In contrast, Osaka Science and Technology Park focuses more on areas such as life sciences, new materials and intelligent manufacturing, which are closely related to the traditional manufacturing base and medical industry advantages of the Kansai region.

In terms of park size and corporate composition, Tokyo Science Parks are generally larger and host more large multinational companies and industry leaders. These companies have brought abundant international resources and high-end talents to Tokyo. Osaka Science and Technology Park attracts more small and medium-sized enterprises and startups, forming a more flexible and diversified innovation ecosystem. This difference is also reflected in the entrepreneurial culture of the two places: Tokyo’s entrepreneurial atmosphere is more international and fast-paced, while Osaka maintains more local characteristics and a steady development attitude.

In terms of government support and policy environment, Tokyo Science and Technology Parks tend to receive more national-level support and international resources. However, Osaka Science and Technology Park has also been actively promoting internationalization and innovation policies in recent years, such as establishing special economic zones and providing foreign start-up visas and other measures, which are narrowing the gap with Tokyo. In addition, the cost of living in Osaka is relatively low, which provides entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises with greater room for development.

5.2 Comparison with other cities in the Kansai region such as Kyoto and Kobe

In the Kansai region, the Osaka Science and Technology Park has formed a complementary and competitive relationship with the science and technology parks in Kyoto and Kobe. Kyoto is known for its profound academic background and cultural heritage. Its science and technology parks rely more on the research strength of top universities such as Kyoto University, especially in the fields of basic science, biotechnology and environmental technology. Kyoto Science Park is characterized by a close integration of industry, academia and research, and has incubated many high-tech start-ups derived from university research.

In contrast, Osaka Science and Technology Park pays more attention to applied technology and industrialization, especially in the fields of medical equipment, intelligent manufacturing and new energy. It has obvious advantages. Osaka’s advantage lies in its complete industrial chain and vast market, which can provide better support for the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements. In addition, as the economic center of the Kansai region, Osaka’s science and technology park has advantages in financial support, market resources and internationalization.

Kobe Science and Technology Park is mainly characterized by life sciences and medical health industries. After the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995, the Kobe City Government vigorously developed the medical industry and established the famous Kobe Medical Industry City. This gives Kobe a unique advantage in the fields of regenerative medicine and innovative drug research and development. Although Osaka Science and Technology Park is also involved in the field of life sciences, it focuses more on application fields such as medical devices and health management, forming a misaligned development with Kobe.

In terms of the innovation ecosystem, Osaka Technopark’s strength lies in its diversity and comprehensiveness. It not only covers multiple technical fields, but also integrates the entire industry chain from basic research to product development and marketing. The science and technology parks in Kyoto and Kobe have their own characteristics, and have formed profound accumulation in basic research and specific industrial fields respectively.

Osaka Science Park also plays an important role in regional synergy. As the core of the Kansai region, Osaka is promoting the construction of the “Kansai Innovation Circle”, aiming to integrate the innovation resources of the Kansai region. This strategy enables Osaka Science and Technology Park to better utilize Kyoto’s academic resources and Kobe’s medical industry advantages, while providing a broader development platform for technology companies in the entire Kansai region.

Osaka Science and Technology Park occupies a unique position in the Kansai region. It has the comprehensive advantages of a metropolis and can complement neighboring cities. This balance makes Osaka an important hub connecting Japan’s traditional industrial advantages and emerging technological innovations. With the preparation and hosting of the Osaka World Expo, Osaka Science and Technology Park is expected to further enhance its international influence, attract more global innovation resources, and promote the development of scientific and technological innovation in the Kansai region and even Japan as a whole.

 Future development trends

Osaka Prefecture is actively planning for future technological development and has formulated a series of forward-looking plans. Its core goal is to build Osaka into Asia’s leading innovation center, focusing on the development of strategic emerging industries such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, biomedicine and green energy. To achieve this goal, Osaka Prefecture plans to significantly increase R&D investment in the next five years and increase the proportion of technological innovation in GDP. At the same time, Osaka Prefecture will also strengthen industry-university-research cooperation, establish more international innovation platforms, and attract high-end talents and innovation resources from around the world.

Among the new projects to be launched, the “Osaka Innovation Ecosystem Plan” has attracted much attention. The plan aims to build a comprehensive innovation support system, including establishing an innovation investment fund, establishing a cross-industry technology transfer center, and launching an “innovation visa” for foreign entrepreneurs. In addition, Osaka Prefecture also plans to build a “Future City Experimental Zone” in the coastal area as a test platform for new technologies and smart city solutions. In terms of policy, Osaka Prefecture is considering launching a more flexible regulatory sandbox policy to provide more space for the experimentation of emerging technologies and business models. These initiatives are expected to further enhance Osaka’s innovation drive and promote its position on the global innovation map.

Conclusions and suggestions

With its unique geographical location, complete industrial chain and open innovation environment, Osaka Science and Technology Park has become an important engine of scientific and technological innovation in the Kansai region of Japan. The park not only has a strong manufacturing base and advanced R&D facilities, but also has convenient international transportation and rich human resources. Its diversified industrial structure and flexible policy support provide an ideal development platform for all types of enterprises. The active planning and continuous investment of the Osaka Prefectural Government have injected strong impetus into the long-term development of the park.

For companies interested in settling in, it is recommended that they make a choice based on their own characteristics. Large technology companies can make full use of the industrial cluster effect and international resources of the park to establish regional headquarters or R&D centers. Small and medium-sized enterprises can use the park’s innovation ecosystem to find partners and accelerate technology commercialization. For start-ups, the incubation services and financing channels provided by the park are particularly important. Biomedicine, smart manufacturing and new energy companies can focus on the park’s professional support in these fields. In addition, all settled companies should actively participate in various activities organized by the park and make full use of the preferential policies and services provided by the government to maximize development opportunities in Osaka Science Park.