Policy Paper on International Cooperation

Pioneering of a "global knowledge network" and contribution to the "Cradles of Civilization"

The University of Tsukuba, which became a national university corporation in 2004, aims to become a world-class comprehensive research-oriented university. To further develop international research and education, the International Liaison Office reviewed how the international cooperation should be and published an international cooperation policy paper.

Policy paper in Japanese .

I. Today's international situation and the mission of the University of Tsukuba

(1) A global strategy I: Approach to mega-competition for knowledge and a global knowledge network
We are reformulating the whole university strategy for the restoration and development of the global knowledge network in response to the global mega-competition for knowledge.

(2) A global strategy II: An approach oriented toward the Cradles of Civilization*
We aim to create a new research field which shifts the approach from a Western-centered research paradigm to the "symbiosis" of civilization from the Cradles of Civilization.
The University has wide collaborative relationships and a powerful network in this area with international cooperation among developed nations, and aims to make a significant contribution to the entire world.

*Cradles of Civilization
We refer to the areas which are birthplaces of the five ancient civilizations as the Cradles of Civilization. They include the Sahara Desert, the Mediterranean Sea, Middle East, Central Asia, India, China, Southeast Asia, and the Far East, as well as places of interaction and fusion between Eastern and Western culture and technology in ancient times.

(3) International consortium connecting the international cooperation network of the University with the Cradle of Civilization project
We are promoting the practical use of our global knowledge network and results of advanced scientific research to foster stable and sustainable development of the Cradles of Civilization.

II. Basic plan of international cooperation

(1) Playing a leading role in cooperation by utilizing the global knowledge network and results of advanced scientific research
We are playing a leadership role in cooperation by utilizing the global knowledge network and results of advanced scientific research to resolve current issues in the Cradles of Civilization.

(2) Proposing an international collaboration incubator model
We are developing a unique international collaboration incubator model to promote flexible and international collaborative research activities that can respond to research needs systematically, flexibly, and swiftly.

(3) A global strategy based on traditional personnel training
Using our traditions and prestige as a university, we are actively promoting the nurturing of capable persons who can promote sustainable development around the world, especially in the Cradles of Civilization, and dispatching them to areas where they may be needed.

(4) Transmission from Tsukuba Science City to the world
We serve as a relay point for cooperation between a variety of advanced research and educational institutes in Tsukuba Science City and the rest of the world. This role of go-between links Tsukuba with the Cradles of Civilization, and strengthens Japan's global ties.

III. Tasks for international cooperation

(1) Strategic organization development
- We set up international strategic headquarters to build a system to implement decisions in the headquarters swiftly and strongly.
- Under the international strategic headquarters, an international strategic office is set up and this office takes charge of international strategic plan and enforcement.

(2) Tasks for leadership in advanced scientific research
- Projects are undertaken in accordance with international strategy, especially the international collaboration incubator model and the model for alliances with domestic and foreign research organizations are conducted.
We assign directors to overseas offices to plan and organize international symposia on international cooperation.
- Setting up overseas offices and establishing an overseas associate system
We set up overseas offices to provide technology and knowledge of advanced scientific research and have implemented the overseas associate system to dispatch foreign correspondents.
- Development of a University-wide international strategy
We are examining efforts for international cooperation that are being made at research institutes, educational organizations, centers, etc. and the current state of international cooperation at the University to develop a system that can provide up-to-date information for international strategies.
- Playing a leading role in advanced scientific research activities in the world
We promote systematic cooperation with related government organizations, international organizations, support agencies, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, etc., to share the international network for advanced research and enhance its synergistic effects.

(3) Tasks of nurturing personnel
- Promotion of projects for nurturing capable personnel
We nurture young leaders of developing countries and introduce internship programs for students, etc. to promote the strategic acceptance of foreign students and to dispatch Japanese students overseas.
- Innovation of foreign student policy
We are developing an environment for foreign students in which they can easily obtain information about the University and take entrance examinations, and are setting up a lifelong network for them.
- Promotion of global standards in education focusing on graduate schools
We are working to not only promote bilingual education, enhance the credit transfer system, and encourage foreign students to complete their coursework, but also to help students utilize the approaches of the global knowledge network and the Cradles of Civilization in their studies and research.

(4) Tasks of the University in Tsukuba Science City
We are serving as a focal point for the construction of a knowledge network between research institutes in Tsukuba and research and educational institutes and organizations in the Cradles of Civilization and around the world.

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