Driving Innovation, Achieving Social Impact in Higher Education: Case Studies of Tohoku University and the Open University of Hong Kong

Based on the lessons from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, this paper aims to shed light on a
heavily under-researched multidisciplinary area: innovation and education. With a focus in the Tohoku
University in Japan and The Open University of Hong Kong, this paper will examine the issue via
cultural history, education policy and related social systems together with “the traditional custom”.
Furthermore, this paper aims to redefine the concept of innovation in nowadays higher education
teaching, to serve as a reference for potential change agents as they consider ways and means to
created improved learning environments at universities and institutions, to enhance the educational
circles’ interest and understanding in utilizing such new medium as well as the social power. And
finally examine and compare the social impact on the introduction of innovation teaching in higher
education profession.
Apart from literature studies, this paper will carry out a field study and interview in both Hong Kong
and Japan, and also field observation in Tohoku University. Based on the examination of the MIT,
Tohoku University and The Open University of Hong Kong’s experiences in this research, it provided
a very good starting showcasing on how innovation in education inspires students to think, create and
leave an imprint in the commercial industry by producing a quality commodity and this paper is
believed that it is just a beginning for true revolution and evolution of innovative education.