Aiming to contribute to industry and policy through research on technology startups and technology strategies.

Laboratory on Science and Technology-based Innovation
Professor：OKUYAMA Ryo

E-mail：
［Research areas］
drug discovery ecosystem, new drug R&D management, science-based innovation
［Keywords］
drug R&D, technology management, deep tech, startup, university-government-industry collaboration, innovation, ecosystem

Skills and Background we are looking for in Prospective Students

One of the major benefits of working professionals pursuing graduate studies is the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and critical thinking skills by addressing real-world challenges and deepening their areas of interest. By engaging in research with a clear sense of purpose—understanding why they are studying at graduate school—their learning becomes more meaningful and can lead to significant growth in both their professional practice and career development.

What you can expect to learn in this laboratory

In recent years, the business environment has become increasingly dynamic, with global competition intensifying. Through research, you can develop the analytical and planning skills necessary to accurately identify issues, swiftly seize opportunities, and translate insights into strategic planning and project proposals. Furthermore, by strengthening logical thinking and presentation skills, you can also acquire essential abilities for creating new value—such as negotiation and proposal capabilities. In addition, the process of trial and error helps cultivate flexible thinking, a spirit of challenge, and the resilience needed to overcome difficulties.

【Job category of graduates】 Consulting, Manufacturing industry, Government officials, etc.

Research outline

1. Research on Drug Discovery Startups and Innovation Ecosystems

In science and technology-driven innovation, exemplified by drug discovery, research outcomes from universities and other institutions play a significant role in product development. Globally, the practical application of such deep tech is often driven by university-based startups. However, in Japan, startups have not grown sufficiently, leading to a decline in international competitiveness in pharmaceutical R&D. My laboratory conducts research on the role of startups in global drug discovery, cross-national differences in contributions, and the impact of these factors on pharmaceutical innovation. I also analyze the changing structure of the global pharmaceutical industry, with a focus on the rapidly advancing scientific and technological capabilities of China and certain emerging economies.
For startups to thrive, it is crucial to establish a startup ecosystem in which stakeholders—including universities, academic researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, national and local governments, and established companies—collaborate organically. Japan’s innovation system, traditionally led by large corporations and shaped by unique social and commercial practices, requires the development of a tailored innovation ecosystem to strengthen its industrial competitiveness in deep tech fields such as drug discovery. Through both quantitative and qualitative analysis of drug discovery startups and academia-industry-government collaboration, my lab aims to advance innovation management strategies that contribute to strengthening Japan’s ecosystem. I seek to generate research findings that inform practitioners and policymakers.

2. Research on New Drug R&D Management

Global competition in new drug development is intensifying year by year. In recent years, technological innovations in emerging drug modalities—such as nucleic acid medicines, gene and cell therapies, next-generation antibodies, and medium-sized molecules—have become key drivers of drug discovery capabilities. At the same time, research efforts are increasingly focused on therapeutic areas with high unmet medical needs, including central nervous system disorders and rare diseases. Furthermore, the integration of cross-disciplinary technologies, such as AI-driven drug discovery, is advancing rapidly. My laboratory analyzes these shifts in technological and market environments to explore effective approaches to technology management, R&D strategy, and alliance strategy within pharmaceutical companies.

Key Publications

1. Okuyama R. Increased contribution of small companies to late-entry drugs: a changing trend in FDA-approved drugs during the 2020s. Drug Discovery Today, 2024, Vol.29(2), 103866
2. Okuyama R. Leveraging Corporate Assets and Talent to Attract Investors in Japan: A Country with an Innovation System Centered on Large Companies. Journal of Risk and Financial Management, 2024, Vol.17(12), 539
3. Okuyama R. mRNA and Adenoviral Vector Vaccine Platforms Utilized in COVID-19 Vaccines: Technologies, Ecosystem, and Future Directions. Vaccines, 2023, Vol.11(12), 1737