Special Focus - Smart Technologies

The modern world is changing swiftly – the technological, environmental, societal challenges are addressed with new solutions. As the 3rd largest economy in the world, Japan places a high value on the advancement of new technologies.

Technological advances have brought about a change known as the fourth industrial revolution that today is driving the digitalization. This broad shift is being referred to as "Society 5.0" and will be led by innovations in science and technology.

• ICT
• Green Transportation
• Agricultural Technology

The high level of urbanization and the need to cut costs, protect the environment, manage cities, public transportation and daily lives of the people all around the globe create strong incentives for development of Smart Mobility innovations.

Moreover, as Japan is facing ageing population and agricultural sustainability issues, it aims at accelerating the practical application of Smart Farming technology using artificial intelligence and robots to resolve the growing labour and water supplies shortage.

• Report: Smart Mobility Market
• Report: Smart Farming Technology

The Smart Mobility market in Japan provides some openings for innovative European companies,  especially in two main categories: software for autonomous vehicles and car sharing, and hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.

Facilitated by the EPA, the Japanese Smart Farming market also offers interesting opportunities for EU SMEs especially in the fields of soil cultivation and harvest preparation / cultivation technologies such as drones and other precision farming solutions, a market sector which is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years.

• Webinar 165: Smart Farming technology in Japan and Opportunities for EU SMEs
• Webinar 171: Smart Mobility Market in Japan and Opportunities for EU SMEs