A Place for Co-Creation Linking Technology and Society

The other day, I visited the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture, to attend a meeting to report the results of the “Sumitomo Riko - AIST Advanced Polymer Devices Collaborative Laboratory (hereafter referred to as (”Collaborative Laboratory“), a joint project of our company.
This is the fifth year since its establishment in 2020.
This milestone report provided an opportunity to experience anew how the field of research and development has evolved and how it has expanded its contact with society.

What I felt on the Frontlines of Social Implementation

In the debriefing session, the efforts of AIST Solutions (AISol), a company established to promote more practical collaboration between AIST and companies, were introduced.
In addition, they toured the “AIST-Cube” exhibition facility, where we saw cutting-edge research results and how they are being implemented in society as actual products and services.
Research is taking shape in the form of actual solutions to social issues we face in the areas of the environment, energy, and mobility.
They are not mere technological developments, but I felt a strong will and structure to "deliver to society.”

Co-Creation with AIST Expands Possibilities

This collaboration, which initially began with the use of AIST's test courses, has now expanded to include a variety of divisions within our company, including the Advanced Systems R&D Center, the Automotive Anti-Vibration Business Headquarters, the Sound-Proof Products Business Division, and the Industrial Products and Materials Division.
I believe that these efforts are a concrete implementation of our Group's Purpose, which is “To realize the comfort of society by maximizing the potential of materials through MONOZUKURI,” and that they will play a role in creating value toward the realization of a sustainable society.

What I want to say to you as colleagues who take on challenges together

To those of you involved in research and development and product commercialization.
We are now promoting co-creation initiatives that aim to change society for the better, transcending internal and external boundaries.
It is not an easy way and involves many challenges and trial and error.
However, I am convinced that new values that no one has yet realized will be born through such challenges.
This initiative with the Collaborative Laboratory is truly a part of such value creation, and is an excellent opportunity for us to work on development with an eye toward what society will require in the future.
Co-creation and collaboration with AIST and other external partners will deepen the expertise of each of you and lead to broader contributions to society.
I hope that you will seize opportunities on your own, and with the will and energy to take action, take on the next challenge.

※AIST-Cube…https://www.aist.go.jp/sc/cube/en/

2025.07