
Welcome to Systems Innovation Laboratory – Advancing Innovation with Systems Thinking
Systems Innovation (Minato) Laboratory is part of the Graduate School of Technology Management (MOT) at Ritsumeikan University in Osaka, Japan. Under the leadership of Professor Dr. Nobuaki Minato, our lab specializes in technology management, system dynamics, and innovation strategies, with a particular focus on the aerospace, aviation, and high-tech industries.
Our Research Areas
At Minato Laboratory, we explore theoretical and practical approaches to innovation and technology management. Our research covers a wide range of topics, including:
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System Dynamics & Systems Thinking – Modeling complex technological and industrial ecosystems.
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Technology Innovation & Diffusion – Investigating how emerging technologies impact industries and society.
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Aerospace & Aviation Industry Strategy – Analyzing the innovation landscape in space development and aviation.
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Technology Marketing & Business Strategy – Examining how new technologies can be effectively commercialized.
Opportunities for Students
Our lab offers a dynamic research environment for both master's and doctoral students. We welcome students from diverse backgrounds who are interested in technology management, system modeling, and innovation policy.
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Students can choose their own research topics as long as they contribute to the fields of technology and innovation management.
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Working professionals can pursue research topics related to their current careers while earning a master's or doctoral degree.
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Research supervision is available in both English and Japanese.
Join Us
At Minato Laboratory, we aim to bridge academia and industry, fostering researchers and specialists who can drive real-world innovation. We welcome motivated students from around the world to join us in exploring the future of technology management and innovation strategy.
We look forward to working with you!
Faculty
Professor Noriaki Minato
Affiliation
Dean, Graduate School of Technology Management (MOT), Ritsumeikan University
Director, Earth and Space Exploration Center (ESEC), Ritsumeikan University
Director, Design Science Research Center, Ritsumeikan University
Research Areas
Technology Management, System Dynamics, System Thinking, Aerospace and Aviation Innovation, Marketing, Design Science
Biography
Professor Noriaki Minato specializes in technology management and system dynamics, focusing on the strategic development of aerospace and aviation innovation. His research integrates system thinking and simulation modeling to analyze complex industrial ecosystems, particularly in aerospace-related sectors. With a background in systems engineering and management, he has contributed to theoretical advancements in innovation processes and practical frameworks for technology commercialization.
Research and Contributions
Professor Minato's work spans various interdisciplinary fields, including:
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System Dynamics in Technology Management – Developing models to understand the diffusion and impact of emerging technologies.
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Aerospace and Aviation Innovation – Analyzing industrial and policy dynamics in space development projects.
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Marketing and Design Science – Exploring user-centered innovation strategies in high-tech industries.
His research has been published in international journals and presented at leading academic conferences, reflecting his contributions to both academic scholarship and industrial applications.
Engagement and Industry Collaboration
Professor Minato actively collaborates with space agencies, aerospace companies, and government organizations to design innovation policies and strategic roadmaps. He has also supervised numerous research projects focusing on technology diffusion, ecosystem dynamics, and business modeling for cutting-edge technologies.
For More Information
To learn more about Professor Minato’s research and academic activities, please visit the official website of the Graduate School of Technology Management at Ritsumeikan University:
Contact

E-mail / Phone
Tel +72-665-2445
Fax +72-665-2445