Atsushi Ezura: Trends and Directions in Research

2022/01/18

While emerging nations in Asia are achieving economic growth at a tremendous pace, in our country, a sense of economic stagnation is undeniable, and a vague anxiety about the future casts a shadow. The same is true for research activities at universities and other institutions; although prominent researchers and government officials frequently point out that research funding is insufficient compared to developed and emerging nations, no fundamental solution has been reached. Therefore, I believe many readers are aware that university faculty members are busy every day preparing documents to secure research funding.

Among research themes, some are easier to obtain funding for than others. Recently, themes related to SDGs, digital technologies such as AI and IoT, and in my field of production engineering, 3D printers and digital twins tend to be more easily selected. These research themes are listed in the Science and Technology Basic Plan established by the Cabinet Office as priority themes for promoting Society 5.0. To put it bluntly, they are government-led trends. In the first place, it would not be an overstatement to say that current buzzwords like IoT and DX are simply evolutions of the word "ubiquitous," which was popular about 20 years ago. The practice of changing terminology to suit the times to make it seem like a new initiative is quite typical of the bureaucracy.

Whether or not to follow these trends is, of course, up to the researcher. It is also important to pursue research on one's own path according to one's interests and instincts. However, if that path is in a so-called minor field that is not sought after by society or companies, securing research funds becomes a realistic problem. This issue is particularly critical for early-career researchers and will determine the success or failure of their nascent research careers.

I have written quite pretentiously so far, but I myself am working on research aimed at the full-scale popularization of metal 3D printers, so I am riding the trend to some extent. I work hard every day on paperwork to obtain research funds, but things are not progressing as well as I would like. I cannot imagine how the environment surrounding researchers will change in the future, but keeping in mind the words "Continuance is strength" that I received from my mentor during my student days, I intend to continue my efforts so that the results of my research will one day be put into practical use and contribute to the development of society.