In 2023, the total internal R&D personnel in Japan's wood and cork manufacturing sector was at 554 Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs). Projections from 2024 to 2028 indicate a consistent decline, with personnel levels decreasing annually by approximately 5.72%. This trend suggests a significant contraction in R&D capacity over the five-year forecast period, highlighting potential challenges for innovation within the industry.
Future trends to watch for include potential impacts of technological advancements and automation on R&D requirements, changing environmental regulations, and shifts in consumer preferences towards sustainable materials that could influence R&D dynamics in this manufacturing sector.
