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Ikujiro Nonaka, Professor Emeritus at Hitotsubashi University, globally renowned for his knowledge creation theory, passed away on January 25th.

Professor Nonaka served as a board member of Japan Innovation Network (JIN) since its establishment, providing valuable advice on innovation management and contributing significantly to our organization’s activities.
We wish to express our deepest condolences and commemorate his legacy.

Nonaka Theory and Innovation Management
Innovation begins with human will and purpose. It realized by the knowledge creation process (SECI model), where “Ba” (shared context) plays a crucial role. The SECI model represents the continuous conversion between tacit and explicit knowledge, and organizational knowledge creation spiral.

Needless to say, Nonaka’s theories have profoundly influenced management practices worldwide.
The knowledge creation model remains crucial as a practical theory that underlies various methodologies including Design Thinking, (more recently Effectuation), and Lean Startup, among others. This is also true for the Innovation Management System (IMS) that JIN promotes. The approach of realizing new value through trial and error based on the firm’s intention has become a core concept in international standards ISO56002-56001. It truly represents the “standard of standards.”

A Rally Call to Business Leaders
At the Management Innovation Round Table held at Kanda Shrine’s Reiwa Hall on August 6, 2024, Professor Nonaka provided an inspiring video message to the gathered leaders from Japan’s industry, government, and academia. He emphasized that “Innovation is a collective process of creating new meaning and value for the future,” “It is brought about by humans, not just by science and technology,” and “True innovation emerges from collective wisdom generated through dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives, sometimes through conflict.” (Cooperation: Nikkei CrossMedia, Shoeisha Biz/Zine)

Global Impact
JIN has always focused on Japanese innovation management within a global context. Through collaboration with Professor Nonaka, global innovation networks such as IMSN (Innovation Management System Network) have been established.
While Professor Nonaka is known in Japan for his book “The Essence of Failure,” globally he is recognized for his knowledge creation theory and “Ba” theory.
We are confident that the intellectual assets Professor Nonaka left behind will continue to evolve towards the future.
Professor Nonaka, we are deeply grateful to you. Thank you.

From all of us at Japan Innovation Network