Hybrid executive learning for Japan’s technology transfer ecosystem
Programme highlights
15 Japanese companies represented
12 hours over 4 weeks as evening sessions
Flexible format blending online Cambridge teaching with in-person facilitation and networking
TECH-Tokyo
IfM Engage collaborated with TECH-Tokyo to design and deliver a customised executive education programme that rethinks how global expertise can be accessed. Developed for Japanese corporate leaders seeking to strengthen collaboration with international universities, the programme introduced a flexible, resource-efficient model that combines world-class academic insight with meaningful in-person engagement.
TECH-Tokyo plays a critical role in Japan’s innovation landscape, connecting leading global universities with major corporations to translate research into real-world impact. This shared commitment to accelerating technology transfer provided a strong foundation for piloting an innovative approach to executive learning.
Professor Jorge Cortell, TECH-Tokyo Executive Director, explains the collaboration: “We required an Executive Education partner from a world‑leading university capable of designing a highly customised short programme – one that would deliver substantive impact for our organisation while avoiding the need for international travel. IfM Engage was the perfect fit.”
Professor Jorge Cortell and Dr Yuta Hirose pictured with TECH-Tokyo members.
Building a culturally relevant learning experience
The collaboration began with a clear objective: support TECH-Tokyo’s corporate members in strengthening their approach to leading global university partnerships and technology transfer.
IfM Engage’s Executive and Professional Development team worked closely with TECH-Tokyo to assess organisational needs and design a targeted programme. The resulting model combined online teaching from Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) academics with in-person facilitation in Tokyo, enabling participants to access world-class Cambridge insight without the need for international travel.
Central to this approach was IfM Engage Industrial Associate Dr Yuta Hirose, who led the on-site facilitation. Yuta brought knowledge of the IfM, understanding of the Cambridge innovation ecosystem, and extensive experience across Japanese industry and government. His regional insight ensured the programme was closely aligned to executive priorities while supporting participants in applying new concepts within their organisational context.
This approach and flexible design allowed the programme to blend peer-to-peer learning and networking responding directly to TECH-Tokyo’s specific needs, as Yuta explains: “This new format showed how powerful executive education can be when global expertise is combined with local, in‑person facilitation. It created a space where participants could engage deeply with Cambridge insights while navigating the cross‑cultural dynamics essential for effective collaboration. Addressing these cultural nuances was key to helping learners translate new ideas into practices that truly fit the Japanese context.”
PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK
“We believe that the practical executive education program delivered by the University of Cambridge was a highly meaningful opportunity for our company, which operates globally, providing us with valuable insights and practical ideas for creating new value. Through this program, we gained important perspectives and capabilities to further promote innovation and collaboration.”
– Shinji Omori, Chief Technology Officer, Terumo Corporation
Executive learning with a flexible innovative format
Over four weeks, TECH-Tokyo members engaged in sessions designed to build an understanding of the role universities play in innovation ecosystems and equipping participants with practical tools to build effective partnerships.
The programme sessions included:
- The Changing Roles of Universities in Innovation Ecosystems by Professor Tim Minshall
- Strategic Technology Roadmapping by Dr Robert Phaal
- Applying the WANT–FIND–GET–MANAGE Framework for Effective University Partnerships by Dr Letizia Mortara
- Innovating with Universities in Practice: Successes and Challenges by Dr Yuta Hirose with a panel of Japanese corporate and academic leaders.
After time for reflection, each session was followed by an online discussion, which offered space to revisit concepts, clarify questions and support translation into the Japanese business context.
These discussions brought together a diverse cohort of contributors from Japan’s innovation ecosystem, including representatives from universities, startups, established corporations, and expert communities. Their perspectives highlighted effective models for university–industry collaboration, common barriers, and strategies for building sustainable partnerships.
Featuring contributions from leading business figures across Japan from companies such as Japanese Airlines, Dentsu and Microsoft, the discussions equipped all participants with actionable insights to support and lead productive collaborative initiatives with global universities.
PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK
“As we, Tokyu Land Corporation, globally expand our startup supporting initiatives, this program stood out by offering practical frameworks and the latest university partnership case studies. Engaging in open dialogue with experts and diverse peers, I gained concrete insights applicable to our challenges. Highly valuable for anyone aiming to drive innovation through international collaboration.”
– Tokyu Land Corporation Urban Business Unit Shibuya Business Division Operating Officer, Yasuhiro Kurokawa
Programme impact
The programme delivered two primary outcomes:
First, it broadened the horizons of Japanese executives on the role universities can play as strategic partners in innovation. Participants were encouraged to challenge established assumptions and adopt a more outward-looking approach to collaboration.
Second, it equipped leaders with practical methods for structuring, managing, and sustaining university relationships. Frameworks, case examples, and applied discussion ensured learning could be translated directly into organisational practice.
Together, these outcomes lay the foundation for long‑lasting change: a transformed mindset that can translate directly into new, more effective practices of technology transfer within the Japanese innovation ecosystem.
“By partnering with TECH-Tokyo, IfM Engage brought Cambridge innovation expertise to Japanese executives with global aspirations. This unique programme empowers leaders to innovate with top-tier international universities. The blend of Cambridge’s world-leading insights with our local expert and networking created a highly effective environment for inspiring innovation and collaboration.”
– Dr Judith Shawcross, Head, Executive and Professional Development, IfM Engage
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