As symbolized by the terms Industry 4.0 or the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the world surrounding us is becoming predominantly digital-centric and knowledge-intensive. That is leading to a transformation of people's lifestyles and the very concept of industry. Where, then, are those knowledge-intensive industries located? The answer is, overwhelmingly in cities. It is cities — where diverse human resources and businesses converge — that make innovation possible.
Sociologist Richard Florida, a University of Toronto professor widely known for such works as "The Rise of the Creative Class" and "The Flight of the Creative Class," says that the Earth is made up of 20 to 30 clusters of light — based on his observation of satellite images of the planet taken during the nighttime. He calls such clusters of light "mega-regions" and notes that 80 percent of innovations are created in such mega-regions. In other words, mega-regions are the sources of innovation.
Where, then, is the world's largest cluster of light located? It is in the greater Tokyo metropolitan area — which has a combined population of 35 million. And that is a very strong point for Japan.
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