An empirical study on value creation of multi-product small-volume production through industry-academia collaboration

Abstract

The aim of this study is to build an ecosystem through industry-academia collaboration for company problem solving and the educational reform of universities. Focus is placed on the solution of problems in small-lot production of various small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing industry in Japan. The manufacturing industry in Japan is supported by SMEs with multi-product small-volume production and subcontracted production. The manufacturing industry must be reformed; however, the reform methods for mass production such as the Internet of Things (IoT) are not suitable for SMEs. This study reports on the result of co-designing the information and communication technology (ICT) system to replicate the excellent craftsmanship of SMEs through industry-academia collaboration. This study will contribute to the dissemination of mutual learning between companies and universities through industry-academia collaboration.