ABSTRACT

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.

摘要

本文通过对一家领先的跨学科研究机构的案例研究，研究了日本研究型大学的知识生产政策议程的转变-从基于学科的学术传统到跨学科形式的知识生产的转变。我们通过东北大学（七所“指定国立大学”之一）及其旗舰国际灾难科学研究所的案例研究这种转变。文献分析揭示了对跨学科性的重新强调，这在向“混合混合”模型的重组中很明显，以调和其工作人员中各种研究传统的不同制度逻辑。与主要利益相关者的访谈揭示了该过程的内部动力，障碍和机遇。我们以对日本高等教育的启示作为结论，认为向“混合混合”制度形式的转变是必要的，但不足以维持成功的跨学科研究机构。成功取决于同时致力于与各种外部利益相关者建立可持续的国际联系和关系。