Agendas for Research Cooperation in the Japanese Chemical and Materials Industry

Chemistry plays a significant role in creating new materials because it manipulates and creates new substances at the molecular level. The twenty-first century is regarded as the new chemical age, and the new advanced materials are characterized as designated materials on the molecular level. Based on long-range research and development experience at Toray Industries, the following key points are important for the development of new advanced materials: 1) Strong emphasis on basic research with innovative concepts. 2) Direct risk-taking by corporate executives. 3) Open-minded joint work with users for developing applications.