Recognizing that Japan’s industry-academia collaboration is poor compared to Western countries, Sophia University's Faculty of Science and Engineering created the “Sophia Science & Technology Liaison Office” in November of 2001 to transfer research breakthroughs more easily into society. Unfortunately, this organization is no longer in operation within the University, but its impacts have left a strong impression on the I&E community and students involved in its mission.
Another way Sophia University emphasizes industry-academia collaboration is through the Bulletin Board of Information found in the student portal. The University posts about scholarship opportunities and programs involving university-business collaborations. Some of these scholarships and programs offer students opportunities to engage with industries and learn I&E skills by working directly with them. Not only are students given a chance to expand their range of experiences by applying to these activities, but they are also able to build their own network webs networks for their future careercareers. On the other hand, some of the posts within the Bulletin Board of Information are related to research labs and research funding. Sophia University highly values quality research and the involvement of students in developing new technologies and thus often offers these openings to its entire student body.
Although Sophia University’s history with innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) is short, the institution’s efforts such as opening new programs and opportunities for innovation to faculty and students have become more apparent in the past few years. Over time, a growing number of faculty members have become active in organizing events and activities where they encourage students to incorporate entrepreneurial skills and mindsets.