Strong centres: DWIH Tokyo
German Houses of Research and Innovation promote the internationalisation of science and research around the world.
The DWIH in Tokyo, which many people consider the epitome of the modern megacity, is based in the Chiyoda district. Its “landlord” on the fifth floor of the Sanbancho Building is the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) in Japan, which is the joint consortium leader of the DWIH with the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK). Director Regine Dieth only needs to take a few steps through the glass doors that divide up the open-plan office to speak with her main partners. The representative of Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI), the German FOREIGN TRADE agency, also sits in a neighbouring office. “GTAI is an important partner for DWIH Tokyo when it comes to establishing contacts in Japanese industry,” says Dieth. “And of course we draw considerable benefit from the experience and networks of the DIHK in Japan.” The fact that the DWIH is much more than just anotherFOREIGN TRADE office is made clear by its 13 consortium partners – and events like the symposium on human resources development and personal skills development at international universities that will be held in October 2014. The University of Tokyo was won as the high-ranking host and event partner for this combination of business and academic expertise. “We are naturally very pleased that Asia’s outstanding university is cooperating with us,” says Dieth. Foreign organisations would be almost unable to function in Tokyo without strong partners: “As a rule, you always need someone to introduce you in Japan.”
