So what makes the Japanese so innovative?

Often we hear that research boosts innovation, yet look at the following two maps (click on the thumbnails to see full-size images).

Star Scientists:

Innovation:

Now, I don’t know what is definition of “star scientist” or “innovation” used to compile the data for these maps. But even if the definitions are only broadly reasonable, the huge spike of Japanese innovation seems rather surprising, given the conspicuous absence of a corresponding spike in renowned scientists.

So what makes the Japanese so innovative? Or do they just look innovative to Westerners because their way of thinking is different from ours?

(Maps taken from the website for Richard’s Florida new book, Who’s Your City?.)