Ongoing intellectual cluster creation projects in Tokushima represent a major initiative towards promoting partnerships between industry, education, and government. These projects support the future of industry and local areas while improving local research and development capabilities   Striving to further stimulate industry The Intellectual Cluster Creation Project was established in 2002 under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture. The core of the idea was to create a Japanese version of Silicon Valley by industrializing various research being conducted at universities through joint research between industry and education. The Intellectual Cluster Creation Project also plays a in the Stage Two Scientific Technology Fundamental Plan. A total of 10 clusters and 12 districts have been selected as implementation locations based on results of feasibility surveys conducted in 30 districts around the country as well as documented proposals. The scope of the project was increased to 13 clusters and 15 districts in 2003, with the Tokushima region included in the selections. The basic goal of the project is to create an intellectual cluster that incorporates local characteristics. This is intended to be a base for creating research and development capabilities and serve as an effort to integrate related research institutions as well as research and development companies, placing universities and public research institutions at the core. Building a base for research and development capabilities The Intellectual Cluster Creation Project life-span is 5 years, during which time 500 million yen a year will be spent to unfold many activities. Both Tokushima Prefecture and the University of Tokushima are working in cooperation to accomplish the goal of creating a "health and medical cluster, utilizing health technology at the core". To this end they have set up research themes which focus on the development of diagnosis equipment and medical treatment technology, driving forward the commercialization of joint research results. It is possible to produce new industries and new technology through the use of scientific research results from universities while building a system of partnership between industry, education, and government based on close observation of market and technology trends. We have high expectations for the local contributions, namely contributions toward constructing ventures based out of universities, which is presently the focus of public attention.