Murata Manufacturing announces the establishment of a new research and development (R&D) hub.
The Moriyama Innovation Center will be the new Murata R&D hub. It is located in front of Moriyama Station in Shiga Prefecture. 
The establishment of the new Murata R&D hub at Moriyama Innovation Center is aimed at bolstering Murata’s basic research, planning, and design capabilities in both existing and new businesses.
The establishment of the new Murata R&D hub will enhance Murata’s R&D functions, in addition to reinforcing its relationships with many different stakeholders, including clients, subcontractors, and local residents, as well as accelerating value creation initiatives, thereby increasing Murata’s competitiveness.
Construction of the new Murata R&D Hub will begin in February 2024 and is expected to be completed in May 2026.
The geographical advantages of the new hub’s proximity to the head office and Murata plants located near Shiga Prefecture will also allow for stronger coordination with other planning and R&D hubs. In addition, Murata will offer industry-leading, innovative products and technologies by promoting open innovation through technology exchanges with external partners and collaborative development.
Murata will continue to provide society with innovative products and technologies by enhancing its technical capabilities in order to contribute to the further growth of the electronics market.
Inside the New Murata R&D Hub at Moriyama Innovation Center:
?Promotion of innovation
The office and development floors will let in natural light and have minimal partitions. These open spaces will facilitate interaction and inspiration. Three-dimensional spaces for intracompany exchange will also be constructed to energize communication among team members with various experiences, knowledge, and values, thereby boosting Murata’s development capabilities and creating innovation.
?Enhanced collaboration with external partners
The lower floors will have areas for technology exchanges with external partners and collaborative development, aimed at the creation of new business through the fusion of technologies and knowledge with diverse clients.
?Multipurpose rooms accommodating various events
?Informal open meeting spaces that anyone inside or outside the company can use
?Lab rooms that can be flexibly utilized according to the agenda
?Building concept
- Coexistence with the local community
The building will have a friendly, fresh exterior and will create spaces in harmony with their surroundings, including open spaces accessible by local residents.
?Interactive science facility for children
An interactive science facility will be established to provide opportunities for children to encounter the mysteries and fun of science and to enhance their motivation to learn through STEAM education1, including interactive exhibits and electronics workshops.
Science, Technology, Engineering, Liberal Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM): Education combining math and science fields with creativity.
?Intake in times of disaster
The first-floor entrance area will include a space that can be temporarily used in the event of a disaster or if people become stranded due to transit disruptions.
- Environmental considerations
The premises are planned to contain green spaces which will be accessible to residents. The building will also be made environmentally friendly through the use of wood and the implementation of energy-saving and renewable energy technologies such as solar panels and rainwater recycling, targeting the CASBEE2 S-rank designation.
2 Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency (CASBEE): A method for evaluating and rating the environmental performance of buildings, not only assessing aspects that reduce environmental impacts such as energy-saving, resource-saving, and recycling performance but also comprehensively evaluating building quality, including aspects that improve the quality of the environment such as pleasant interiors and attention paid to scenery.
- Diverse Work Styles The facility will promote diverse work styles through measures such as the arrangement of satellite offices and other functional spaces accommodating different work styles, thereby boosting the capabilities of both individuals and organizations.
- BCP3 and disaster preparedness measures
The building will be Murata’s first production or development site to implement a seismic isolation structure4, making it resilient to accidents and natural disasters such as fires or earthquakes.
Business Continuity Planning (BCP): Planning by a company to minimize damage and sustain or resume its business in the event of a disaster or other emergency.
A structure in which shock absorbers such as laminated rubber are placed between the ground and the building to prevent earthquake vibrations from being directly transmitted to the building. Even if the ground shakes violently, the seismic isolation structure will absorb the movement of the ground so that the building sways slowly instead of following the ground’s movement. This prevents damage and preserves the building’s functions.
For more information, visit Murata’s website
