Apr 1, 2010 - Mar 31, 2012

Research Project on Most Effective Venous Physical Distribution Network Focusing on Further Promotion of Global Resource Recycling Centered on East Asia.

As Japan is a resource-poor country with limited land area, it is essential for Japan to establish an advanced resource recycling society. In order to promote the effective use of waste that increasing economic activity generates, it is practical to circulate venous resources in a broader range across borders. In fact, Japan, which used to be an importing country of recycled resources, has now become an exporter of recycled resources andndash; mainly to Northeast Asia andndash; due to the development of various recycling regimes. Consequently, the importance of the global resource recycling network centered on East Asia has been increasing. In the venous economy, however, which inherently includes issues concerning information asymmetry, it is difficult to properly proceed with a venous economy by depending exclusively on market mechanisms. The wider the distribution range of the venous resources becomes, the longer the product chain grows. Consequently, a long product chain has a greater possibility of information becoming scattered and lost and the improper handling of resources or illegal waste dumping are more likely to occur. This research project will conduct analyses on the important points with respect to securing a stable global resource recycling network. Specifically, by looking at successful experiences of port logistics in the Japan Sea coastal regions, which have a geographical advantage in trade with the East Asia, this project will study key factors behind the establishment of the East Asia resource recycling network and analyze the impact of the related economic policies on social welfare.