Core scientists and innovation in Japanese electronics companies

Summary In this paper we examine the role of what we call core scientists in innovation in Japanese electronics companies. Core scientists are those who have the top total scores as measured by the number of their publications and citations received. We find that even though they may not apply for a large number of patents themselves, the scientific knowledge of the core scientists may have a positive effect in stimulating patent applications by their collaborators.     

Basic research is overshadowed by applied research in China: a policy perspective

This paper demonstrates that basic research has been overshadowed by applied research in China for decades, from the perspective of S&T policy. The data involves 4,707 Chinese S&T policies during the period between 1949 and 2010, which are grouped into five phases, based on the process of S&T system reform in China. We also found that S&T policies in China are leaning more towards basic research, and the gap between basic research and applied research is shrinking.     

Basic research problems in remote sensing

In this paper we describe the sources of geometric errors and methods to correct them with special reference to satellite-derived multi-spectral data. We then give an overview of an atmospheric model which can correct for atmospheric distortions. These are followed by discipline-oriented problems. We conclude by looking at some of the future remote sensing satellites which can cater to the problems referred to above.     

Basic research and applications in magnetism

Several brief case histories are recounted, to show how basic scientific discoveries of new materials and phenomena are used as necessary background for the design of modern devices. The essential elements in the follow-through from the discoveries to the useful devices are listed for six subjects used as examples: 1) rare earths for permanent magnets, 2) orthoferrite domain "bubbles" for memory, 3) Faraday rotation of polarized microwave radiation, 4) magnetic properties of grain-oriented silicon steel, 5) optical properties of magnetic materials, and 6) superconducting magnets.     

Basic Issues in Localizing Manuals for the Japanese Market

In today's Japanese market, winning customer trust in companies and their products requires placing ever more attention to after-sales service.For example, corporate reliability is often decided by the quality of after-sales service when problems occur after purchase.The world has a wide variety of products and services.For home appliances, operation manuals that are helpful to the consumer are particularly important as an aspect of after-sales service.This paper highlights points that should be considered when producing such manuals (printed books) for the Japanese market, and provides some concrete examples illustrating those points.     

Distribution of academic research funds: a case of Japanese national research grant

Drawing on a database of the competitive research funds in the Japanese academia, this study examines the distribution of research grants at the university and individual levels. The data indicates high inequality at the university level and slightly lower inequality at the individual level. Over the last three decades, the total grant budget has greatly increased and an increasing number of researchers have received the funds. Simultaneously, large-size grants have become more common and multiple awarding (i.e., one researcher receives more than one grant simultaneously) has become more frequent. These changes taken together, the level of inequality has not been changed substantially. The extent of inequality largely differs between scientific fields; especially high in basic natural sciences and relatively low in social sciences. A close examination of inequality over researchers’ career indicates different patterns of transition between fields and cohorts. Finally, both at the university and individual levels, the funding distribution is found more unequal than the distribution of publications as an output indicator.     

Solders in electronics

The metallurgy and mechanical behaviour of the principal solder types based on lead-tin alloys are reviewed. Particular emphasis is placed upon their performance under simulated service conditions, fatigue, creep and ageing, and life prediction. Requirements for improved and more environmentally compatible solders are explored.     

Trends and volatility in Japanese patenting in the USA: An analysis of the electronics and transport industries

This paper analyses trends and volatility in patenting in USA by Japan in the electronics/electrical and motor vehicle/transport epuiqment industries. The number of patents has increased steadily, with the two industries accounting in 1997 for one-half of Japanese patents in USA. The electronics/electrical industry has been a much stronger performer, with a share of 30% of US patents, compared with 20% for motor vehicle/transport epuiqment. Using monthly data for 1975-1997, the time-varying nature of the volatility of patents registered in the USA is examined. The asymmetric AR(1)-GJR(1,1) model is found to be suitable for motor vehicle/transport epuiqment, whereas the AR(1)-GARCH(1,1) and AR(1)-GJR(1,1) models provide interesting results for electronics/electrical.     

Effects of large-scale research funding programs: a Japanese case study

This study investigates the effects of large-scale research funding from the Japanese government on the research outcomes of university researchers. To evaluate the effects, we use the difference-in-differences estimator and measure research outcomes in terms of number of papers and citation counts per paper. Our analysis shows that the funding program led to an increase in the number of papers in some fields and an increase in the citation counts in the other fields. A comparison of our estimation results with assessment data obtained from peer reviews showed important differences. Since the characteristics of research vary according to the field, bibliometrics analysis should be used along with the peer review method for a more accurate analysis of research impact.     

Structural integrity in electronics

With continuing miniaturisation, increased performance demands and the requirement to remove lead from solder alloys, the challenges to structural integrity and reliability of electronic equipment are substantial and increasing. This paper outlines typical features in electronic equipment of which the structural integrity community may be generally unaware. Potential failure modes in service are described, and the problems of scale and material characteristics are considered. Progress in the application of fracture mechanics to the life prediction of interconnections is reviewed. The limited evidence available suggests that the crack growth resistance of silver‐containing lead‐free solders is superior to that of the traditional Sn‐37Pb under cycle‐controlled conditions but there is no difference when time‐dependent conditions prevail. In several respects, it is contended that the electronics sector is faced with challenges at least equivalent to those encountered in gas turbines and nuclear power generation.     

Applications of experimental techniques to solid mechanics and materials science research in telecommunications and electronics

In the effort to support the rational development of reliable, manufacturable leading edge communications technologies, a broad variety of experimental mechanics and materials techniques have been developed and/or applied at the AT& Bell Laboratories in Murray Hill, NJ. Much of the emphasis in this paper is on the application of optical methods to the conduct of experimental mechanics and materials research relevant to the telecommunications and electronics industries. It will also describe the role such research plays in supporting the development of a new process or product.
This paper is based on a presentation at the BSSM/SEM International Conference on "Advances in engineering measurements" held at The University of Edinburgh, 30 August to 01 September 1994.