Ritsumeikan University Master's Program in Economic Development​　SME Promotion Seminar

This training program was designed for international students participating in the Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS), many of whom have professional experience in government agencies and financial institutions. The program provided opportunities to learn about Japan’s SME promotion system and business management practices from the perspectives of government agencies, support organizations, financial institutions, and private companies.

Lectures provided by government agencies, SME support organizations, and regional financial institutions introduced participants to SME support policies, regional economic development initiatives, and the role of financial institutions in supporting business growth. Participants also visited a public facility related to resource circulation and environmental management, where they learned about public services that contribute to sustainable community development. Many participants actively engaged in discussions and raised questions regarding differences between Japanese systems and those of their home countries.

【Site Visit to a Waste Management Facility】

The corporate visits provided opportunities to learn about business management, human resource development, workplace safety, and continuous improvement practices. Through lectures, site observations, and discussions with company representatives, participants gained a deeper understanding of the technological capabilities and organizational practices that support the competitiveness of Japanese companies. It was also encouraging to see participants considering how these approaches could be applied in their own countries.

During the final sharing session, participants reflected on the knowledge and insights gained throughout the program and discussed the roles and collaboration of various stakeholders involved in SME promotion in Japan. They further explored the relevance of these experiences to their research themes and development challenges at home. The program provided valuable insights for their future studies and professional work while also fostering networks among participants and resource persons.

【Post-Training Reflection and Discussion Session】

【Group Photo of Participants and Organizers】