Naohiro Shichijo

Professor

Graduate School of Social Data Science, Hitotsubashi University

Graduate School of Business Administration, Hitotsubashi University

Research Areas: Innovation Policy, Technology Management, Scientometrics, Social Data Science

"Good research is driven not only by free thinking and curiosity, but by a 'mission'—the conviction that society needs this research and that we can change society through it."

Naohiro Shichijo

Research & Teaching Philosophy

Mission-Driven Research

Our research does not aim simply to develop new analytical methods. We have clear objectives to apply them to real-world critical issues such as promoting innovation, forming national policies, and understanding the social impact of new technologies.

Supporting Interdisciplinary Exploration

My role is to help you find your own 'mission.' We work closely together to define research challenges that are intellectually stimulating and socially meaningful. While I provide clear direction based on our shared goals, it is your unique curiosity and execution that will pioneer the frontiers of these fields.

Evidence-Based Decision Making

We advance research based on solid evidence rather than intuition or gut feelings, using data science methodologies. This not only improves research quality but also enhances the potential for social implementation.

Journey of a Bridge Builder

Professor Shichijo's career path embodies the intentional pursuit of "fusion between social sciences and data science."

Foundation in Mathematics and Engineering

1999: Ph.D. in Engineering

After earning a bachelor's degree in Mathematics from the University of Tokyo, completed master's and doctoral degrees at the Graduate School of Engineering. Established a solid quantitative foundation and engineering approach by obtaining Ph.D. in Engineering in 1999.

Diverse Academic Research Experience

Associate Professor at Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies, University of Tokyo, Waseda Institute for Advanced Study

As Associate Professor at the Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies, University of Tokyo and Waseda Institute for Advanced Study, conducted pioneering research at the intersection of informatics and social sciences, building the foundation for interdisciplinary research.

Transition to Policy Research

Senior Research Fellow at NISTEP, MEXT

As Senior Research Fellow at the National Institute of Science and Technology Policy (NISTEP), Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, served as a bridge between academic research and policy formulation, deepening expertise in evidence-based policy formation.

Development of Technology Management Research and SIP Leadership

2016-2020: Professor at Tokyo University of Technology

Appointed as Professor at Tokyo University of Technology from 2016 (until June 2020). Advanced research in technology management and innovation policy, integrating engineering and management studies. Simultaneously served as C5 research leader in the SIP Phase 2 Materials Revolution Program, leading national project management and digital transformation in materials science.

Policy Research at National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies

March 2019-March 2024: Visiting Researcher/Professor

Visiting Researcher at National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies from March 2019, then Visiting Professor from April 2019 to March 2024, further deepening expertise in policy research.

Building Social Data Science at Hitotsubashi University

July 2020-Present

Appointed as Professor at Hitotsubashi University from July 2020. As one of the central architects in establishing the Graduate School of Social Data Science, demonstrates leadership in shaping the future of this new academic field. Through joint appointment with the Graduate School of Business Administration, promotes interdisciplinary research.

Research and Social Impact

Direct Contribution to Policy Formation

Through research achievements utilizing the Cabinet Office's policy support system "e-CSTI" and experience as C5 leader in the SIP Phase 2 Materials Revolution Program, directly influences actual policy decisions and national project management beyond academic boundaries.

Pioneer of Interdisciplinary Research

Through research spanning engineering and social sciences, creates innovative achievements across diverse fields from composite material damage detection to science and technology policy.

Creation of New Academic Fields

Embodies the ideals of Social Data Science in their purest form, promoting the fusion of data science and social sciences.

Message to Future Students

I am not looking for students who are merely technically excellent. I seek students who can be passionate about solving complex social challenges.

Whatever your academic background—computer science, economics, sociology, or any other field—I welcome your challenge if you have a strong will to use data for a greater purpose.

The Graduate School of Social Data Science is a new graduate school that was completely planned from scratch and assembled faculty without being based on existing departments. In this new environment, let's work together to find your own "mission" and conduct research to realize it.

At the Shichijo Lab, we are fostering the next generation of leaders who will use data not only to understand the world but also to shape the future of technology and society. Won't you join us in this challenge?

About Joining the Lab Explore Research

Education & Career

B.S. in Mathematics, Faculty of Science, University of Tokyo
M.S. & Ph.D., Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo
1999: Ph.D. in Engineering
Associate Professor, Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies, University of Tokyo
Associate Professor, Waseda Institute for Advanced Study
Senior Research Fellow, NISTEP, MEXT
Professor, Tokyo University of Technology (2016-2020)
Visiting Researcher/Professor, GRIPS (2019-2024)
Professor, Hitotsubashi University (2020-Present)

Main Research Areas

Evidence-Based Innovation Policy
Technology Management and Startup Dynamics
Social Implementation of New Technologies
Science of Science (Scientometrics)
Social Data Science Theory