October 19, 2021 Holding of Expert Meetings on Development of Digital Infrastructures (e.g., DCs)

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) held an expert group meeting on the development of digital infrastructures, e.g., data centers (DCs). This meeting aims to develop digital infrastructures, which are becoming increasingly important, study location-related requirements, including resilience reinforcement and the securement of energy and communications, and promote the sound development of the companies responsible for such infrastructures from the perspective of economic security.

1. Purpose

The digitization of society and industry is expected to lead to new businesses that utilize data in all fields, including medicine, education, transportation, and agriculture, and solutions to social issues through these businesses. Against this backdrop, the importance of digital infrastructures, such as 5G, communications networks, and DCs, which are responsible for collecting, communicating, and processing data, is increasing.
In developing such digital infrastructures, it is necessary to consider location-related requirements, including resilience reinforcement and the securement of energy and communications, and promote the sound development of the companies responsible for such infrastructures from the perspective of economic security.
In light of this situation, experts in digital infrastructures, businesspeople, and relevant ministries and agencies will gather to share information and exchange opinions on the future direction of policy.

2. Matters for consideration

• Evaluating the appropriateness of five core locations and up to ten regional locations described in the growth strategy
• Organizing the requirements for core and regional centers
• Organizing support systems required for regional locations, including core locations and regional centers.

3. Members

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  The published material is in Japanese only.

4. Schedule

The first meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, and subsequent meetings will be held in succession.