Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Takeo Hiranuma proposed a 15-point plan Friday to increase jobs and markets, including optimizing research outcomes at universities to create business opportunities in the private sector.
In the plan, Hiranuma targeted a 10-fold increase in the number of patents obtained by universities within 10 years, while expanding to 1,000 firms in three years the number of venture businesses originated from universities.
The proposal was made at the first meeting of the state task force aimed at coping with industrial structural reforms and employment. The team, led by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, includes all Cabinet ministers.