The relationships between universities and local societies based on the business, governments and academics alliances have becoming more important in Japan. In this context, universities are expected to achieve as a basis of regional research activities. Some universities have already established regional economic research institutions, which is promoting various researches and reinforced alliances with local societies.
This study aims to clarify types of activities and issues of those institutions by sending questionnaire sheets and having interviews to regional economic research institutions in Japanese universities and colleges. In addition, this study analyzes the role of the universities in the coming decentralized society.