Popular literature on Japan asserts that Japan relies on its capacity to copy or imitate foreign technology rather than to invent or pioneer technology. This implies three things. First, Japan takes the position of a ‘follower’ rather than a ‘leader’.
It does very little fundamental research as compared to Western countries but uses technology sold by Western countries to promote growth. Secondly, Japan concentrates on imitating technology rather than innovation. And the last is that Japan promotes extensive diffusion of foreign technology which enables firms to adopt best practices.
This, in the Indian context of education, is already being done, in that we make use of available Western methodologies and strategies of teaching and evaluation. However, we fail to realize that Indian socio-cultural and economic context is different.
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Thus, we make attempts to imitate foreign models of teaching and education without appropriate modification which is the reason why we have failed in competing internationally.
Besides, in Japan the thrust of rewards and career incentives is for economic and corporate success as far as research is concerned. This pattern is facilitated by close consultation and research support for university faculty.
Some industries provide experimental equipment to university faculty for testing and trials ‘on a permanent loan basis’. Some companies publish research undertaken by academicians thus; there is a very close association between industry and academic research which is worth emulating in India.
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Japan is more committed to advanced education and business executives; there are university graduates and are trained to be receptive to new ideas, new technology and new management practices.
The implication of this for India is that we should aim to foster a sense of openness in our students and provide training and create an environment to foster creativity and innovations as well as openness to new ideas, technology and practices.
The emphasis in Japan is on Wakon Yohsai i.e., Japanese essence, Western technology. Japan also adopts the policy of formulating programmes such as hiring foreign specialists, sending students and workers abroad and establishing middle management tours to the West. Foreign technical journals, literature are translated into Japanese language.