8th annual meeting of the Japanese-German ICT Policy Dialogue

Key aspects of the discussion were crucial topics of digital transformation such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), telecommunications technologies, OpenRAN, and network technologies like 5G and 6G. In addition to exchanging best practices, the participants explored joint solutions for digital policy challenges, such as combatting disinformation or developing global AI regulations.

As per rotation, the meeting in Tokyo was hosted by the MIC, represented by Vice Minister Dr Imagawa Takuo. The German delegation from the BMDV was led by State Secretary Stefan Schnorr. In-person attendees included representatives of companies such as Rakuten Symphony, Fujitsu, and Orex SAI, alongside organisations like NICT, JICT, the DLR Institute for AI Security, and the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (AHK Japan). Additional stakeholders from politics, business, and academia participated online in this hybrid event.

Key topics and outcomes of the annual meeting

In the field of telecommunications, the importance of secure 5G networks and open technologies such as Open RAN was emphasised. In addition to reports on general progress in both countries, specific projects, such as Germany's OpenRAN initiative “i14y-lab”, were also presented.

Combating disinformation and misinformation was another key topic of the annual meeting. Both sides highlighted the international relevance of this issue and shared approaches, including the EU Digital Services Act. Discussions on artificial intelligence focused on implementing the Hiroshima AI Process and the EU AI Act to ensure the safe and trustworthy use of AI.

Moreover, the participants underscored the importance of international cooperation in the emerging field of development of the Metaverse. During stakeholder consultations, companies and research institutes engaged with the MIC and BMDV to discuss current challenges and potential collaborations in areas such as 5G, 6G, and network technologies.

The representatives of both countries agreed to deepen their cooperation to uphold shared values and ideas in the research, development, and deployment of new technologies. This ongoing collaboration will be guided by the joint work plan signed in 2023 as part of Japanese-German Digital Dialogue.

Networking and bilateral discussions between stakeholders and policymakers

In addition to the annual meeting, bilateral discussions took place in Tokyo with crucial players Japan’s digital policy landscape, including the Japanese Digital Agency, the recently established AI Safety Institute, and Sony Research. During a roundtable at the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (AHK Japan), participants exchanged insights on current issues and the needs of the German digital economy.

Japan is not only an important economic and trading partner for Germany but also a key collaborator in the development and deployment of new digital technologies. The long-standing dialogue between the two countries is essential for addressing global challenges such as digitalisation, AI, and network security effectively. Follow-up discussions and further events building on the outcomes of the annual meeting are already planned, underscoring the commitment to deepening this valuable partnership.