Tokyo Tech's Designated National University scheme

Tokyo Institute of Technology was selected as a Designated National University Corporation (DNU) by Japan's Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) on March 20, 2018. Aiming to create innovation and boost the level of education and research at Japan's universities, the DNU system includes Japanese national universities that are expected to produce world-leading education and research activities.

The seven Japanese universities that had been designated as DNUs as of 2019 underwent a hearing by the Working Group for Designated National University, Subcommittee for National University Corporations, National University Corporation Evaluation Committee in January 2022. Subsequently, in March 2022, the subcommittee compiled a report on the “development of the Designated National University Corporation scheme over the 4th mid-term goals period.” In response to this report, Tokyo Tech revised its scheme with the aim of further developing as a DNU spearheading education and research.

Message from President Kazuya Masu

President Kazuya Masu

Tokyo Tech's DNU scheme, designed around recent reforms in education, research, and governance — our strengths — paves the way towards 2030 and the Institute's 150th anniversary.
By providing the public domain with outstanding human resources and knowledge through its education and research, and offering real solutions to societal issues, Tokyo Tech continues to fulfill its obligations as a national university. Additionally, by executing this scheme, the Institute aims to share its activities broadly and openly, strengthening collaboration with the public and contributing to the realization of a more prosperous future society.
Tokyo Tech has its initiatives set firmly in place. Join us in advancing towards 2030 and beyond.

Outline and outcomes of scheme

The Institute's DNU scheme consists of initiatives that aim to "pioneer a new era through continuous dialogue with society and the discovery of hidden possibilities in science and technology," and heighten the recognition of Tokyo Tech as one of the world's leading universities in science and technology.

Through its continuous efforts to promote various tangible initiatives in education, research, engagement, and governance, the Institute expects the five following organically linked outcomes to create profound societal impact in the wider community while propelling Tokyo Tech towards its goals.

Outcome 1. Reinforced student-centered learning and diversification of student and faculty population

Education

Outcome 1. Reinforced student-centered learning and diversification of student and faculty populationEducation

Ensure an education system that allows students to formulate a clear personal vision and learn proactively, and responds to the changing needs of a more diverse student population
Promote diversity among students, faculty, and staff, and create an environment where students can engage in friendly competition with others from diverse cultural backgrounds

Outcome 2. Enhanced global recognition of Tokyo Tech research achievements

Research

Outcome 2. Enhanced global recognition of Tokyo Tech research achievementsResearch

Prioritize research based on the Institute's strengths and actively share findings to attract outstanding individuals
As a global research hub, engage prominent researchers in international joint research to create innovative science and technology

Outcome 3. Opening up of new, interdisciplinary fields of research

Research

Outcome 3. Opening up of new, interdisciplinary fields of researchResearch

Promote strategic research as Team Tokyo Tech to open up new fields that contribute to the realization of a prosperous future
Adopt a long-term view on promoting an open research environment where emerging faculty members and researchers are encouraged and able to exercise divergent, creative thinking

Outcome 4. Strengthened engagement through idea transfer from new fields

Engagement

Outcome 4. Strengthened engagement through idea transfer from new fields Engagement

Design and realize a vision of future society through objective analysis and deep insight into the relationship between society and science and technology, and share proposals with the world on how to realize this vision
Create impact by transferring Tokyo Tech findings to the private and public sectors through revitalized collaborative research with industry, startup incubation, and enhanced lifelong learning opportunities

Outcome 5. Self-sustainability in education and research activities

Governance

Outcome 5. Self-sustainability in education and research activitiesGovernance

Create a governance system on par with the world's leading universities, and maintain a broad, long-term perspective on improving management, academic functions, and societal engagement
Strengthen financial base, not only through collaborative research with industry, but also by boosting the Tokyo Tech Fund and effectively utilizing existing resources

Development of Tokyo Tech’s DNU scheme over the 4th mid-term goals period

Tokyo Tech has been advancing steadily the outcomes set forth in its scheme. In the report on the “development of the Designated National University Corporation scheme over the 4th mid-term goals period,” compiled by the Working Group for Designated National University, Subcommittee for National University Corporations, National University Corporation Evaluation Committee, the Institute was evaluated as having made progress in all six MEXT-specified components to be addressed by DNUs. Particularly significant progress was noted in the areas of "acquisition and fostering of human resources" and "collaboration with society.”

Outline of Tokyo Tech’s DNU scheme

In order to take further strides over the 4th mid-term goals period, Tokyo Tech has enhanced the scheme created at the time of its successful designation (see lower part of the diagram). While maintaining its basic policy of "pioneering a new era through continuous dialogue with society and the discovery of hidden possibilities in science and technology," the Institute has added to the original scheme new and reinforced initiatives from the perspective of contributing to the realization of a future society as desired by the public.

Documents regarding designation

Key initiatives

DLab at Tokyo Tech

The Laboratory for Design of Social Innovation in Global Networks (DLab) brings the public together with members of Tokyo Tech to gauge the needs and desires of society through dialogue. By designing our future together, DLab aims to create a brighter, more prosperous world.

An alternate future
The Tokyo Tech 2030 statement, consisting of spirit and action, formulated in a series of workshops by members of the Tokyo Tech community

Tokyo Tech 2030

Progress of initiatives in Tokyo Tech’s DNU scheme

Progress of initiatives by fiscal year

Progress of Tokyo Tech’s DNU scheme through evaluation indicators

FY2018-2023 progress in terms of evaluation indicators (Japanese)

Contact

Institute Planning Group, Planning Division

Email kik.sog@jim.titech.ac.jp