Hokkaido Higher Education and Research System was established in April 2022 through the integration of three universities: Otaru University of Commerce (Commerce), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine (Agriculture and Animal Science), and Kitami Institute of Technology (Engineering). By leveraging the unique characteristics and strengths of the three universities and promoting interdisciplinary education, research, and social collaboration across commerce, agriculture, and engineering, we create a "hub of practical knowledge" and contribute to the development of the regional community.
In terms of education, the Innovation Center for Education (ICE) plays a central role in sharing the educational resources of the three universities, enabling learning that transcends individual university boundaries. In addition to courses offered by their home university, students can take courses offered by the other universities through remote learning, and acquire broad knowledge and practical skills as well as expertise through interdisciplinary programs.
The Open Innovation Center (ACE) promotes research and its application in society that integrates knowledge from commerce, agriculture, and engineering. In addition, the Integrated Information Center for Industry-Academia-Government-Finance Collaboration (IIC) actively disseminates and promotes the outcomes achieved by the ICE and ACE, while strengthening the foundation for securing external funding and intellectual property rights.