Report Session: Industry-Academia- Banking Institution- and Government Collaboration for Region-Based Human Resource Development Project
On Thursday, January 29, 2026, Gifu University held the "Report Session: Industry-Academia-Banking Institution- and Government Collaboration for Region-Based Human Resource Development Project." It featured presentations by students from the Faculty of Engineering and faculty members from the Center for Collaborative Study with Community, Promotion of Regional Collaboration.
This project is a collaborative initiative among the Gifu Prefectural Government, industry, universities, and financial institutions aimed at securing, cultivating, and retaining highly skilled engineers for local companies. For the past ten years, each organization has worked together toward developing human resources who will support the region.
As part of the project, the Faculty of Engineering students participated in lectures and practical training conducted by local companies through the course "Creative Exercises in Mechanical Engineering." In addition, students enrolled in "Introduction to Regional Industry and Corporate Strategy: Learning about Gifu Companies," a course within the University's "Next-Generation Regional Leader Fostering Program," interviewed young employees working at local companies and compiled reports introducing their findings. These reports were compiled into a booklet and distributed to participants at the presentation meeting.
At the meeting, Vice President WANG Zhigang remarked, "This project marks its 10th anniversary. Through hands-on training, students were able to experience both the enjoyment and challenges of manufacturing, as well as the high level of technological capability of local companies. Human resource development for innovation cannot be achieved by university education alone; the cooperation of many people, including those in industry, is essential. We hope you will continue to present us with challenges and work with us to further enhance this project."
Following this, Mr. TSUCHIDA Takashi, Director of the Gifu Prefectural Government Industrial Human Resources Development, greeted participants, saying, "In order to foster and retain local talent, it is necessary for all stakeholders to work together as one. This project, which has continued for ten years, is highly meaningful and extremely important."
Next, Associate Professor TSUKAMOTO Asuka of the Center for Collaborative Study with Community reported on students' learning outcomes from interviewing local companies through the Introduction to Regional Industry and Corporate Strategy course. This was followed by presentations from 26 student groups on the results of their company-based training. Students commented that it had been a valuable opportunity to gain deep insight into the business activities of companies within Gifu Prefecture.
Finally, Professor MASUKAWA Koichi, Director of the Center for Collaborative Study with Community, concluded the meeting by stating, "Students received direct guidance from company representatives and learned about the high level of technology present in each company. Conversely, the fact that students' proposals brought benefits to companies is highly significant. Gifu University will continue to promote collaborative education among industry, academia, finance, and government with your continued support."
We will continue to promote the development and retention of human resources capable of addressing regional and local industrial challenges, thereby contributing to regional revitalization.
