On Saturday, June 21, 2025, the Hokkaido University–Local Government Collaboration Forum was launched, and its inaugural symposium was held at the Global Research Center for Food & Medical Innovation (FMI) on the Sapporo Campus.

This forum aims to strengthen collaboration between Hokkaido University and local governments, systematically leveraging the university’s education and research to address regional challenges. While there have been numerous instances where Hokkaido University’s education and research have been implemented in policy and community development, these were all instances of individual faculty members cooperating with local governments. Going forward, the forum will serve as a one-stop point of contact, establishing a system to introduce faculty members to local governments requiring Hokkaido University’s educational and research capabilities.

The symposium was attended by guests including Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki, Sapporo Mayor Katsuhiro Akimoto, and Hakodate Mayor Jun Oizumi. The venue was packed to capacity with 148 participants, including local government leaders, staff, and Hokkaido University faculty.

In his opening remarks, Hokkaido University President Kiyohiro Houkin stated, “Hokkaido University’s strength lies in its relationships with communities. This holds various possibilities for global expansion.” Following this, Professor Mikine Yamazaki of the Graduate School of Public Policy, who serves as the Forum’s chairperson, delivered a keynote speech titled “Toward Collaboration Suitable for Hokkaido: Local Governments × Hokkaido University.”

The latter half featured two panel discussions. The first panel included Mayor Hiroaki Yamauchi of Shari Town and Associate Professor Yusuke Ishiguro of the Graduate School of International Media, Communication, and Tourism Studies. The second panel featured Mayor Mitsugi Takenaka of Kamishihoro Town and Professor Suguru Mori of the Faculty of Engineering. The discussions highlighted examples where Hokkaido University researchers collaborated on actual community development projects, detailing the processes and outcomes. The mayors also shared their expectations for the university and the forum. Mayor Yamauchi stated, “I see challenges as opportunities for growth. I want the university’s research outcomes to be concretely applied to our town to solve the problems we face. Also, I look forward to leveraging the power of faculty and young students.”

The Hokkaido University–Local Government Collaboration Forum will operate on a trial basis until March next year, with full-scale operations planned to begin in April 2027.

(Text provided by Public Relations and Communication Division, Office of Public Relations and Social Collaboration in cooperation with Division of Social Collaboration, Department of Public Engagement; Division of Social Collaboration, Office of Public Relations and Social Collaboration)