March 15, 2021 Results of the 5th Japan-Germany ICT Policy Dialogue

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) held the 5th Japan-Germany ICT policy dialogue with the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie in German, abbreviated BMWi) in a web conference on Thursday, March 11, 2021. This policy dialogue aims to deepen the mutual understanding between Japan and Germany on policy aspects in the field of information and communications and promote the collaboration and cooperation of the two countries.
This policy dialogue covered a wide range of ICT and digital related themes, and public-private sessions were also set up. Japan and Germany have the common opinions on many points and confirmed that they would cooperate in discussions at international venues, including the G7, G20, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Following the results of this policy dialogue, Japan and Germany will discuss the details of cooperation that will contribute to the future cooperation between Japan and Germany.

Main achievements of the 5th Japan-Germany ICT Policy Dialogue

1. Overview

The Japan-Germany ICT Policy Dialogue is a vice-ministerial-level conference held approximately once a year between MIC and BMWi to exchange information and opinions on ICT policy. In the 5th ICT policy dialogue, the following topics based on policy trends and issues in Japan and Germany were mainly discussed.

2. Main achievements

1. Global digital governance

Japan and Germany explained the achievements and plans of each country in the international frameworks, including the G7, G20, and Internet Governance Forum (IGF). At the same time, they exchanged views on cooperation in international standardization activities at international venues such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Japan and Germany shared their respective stances toward G7 and G20 summits and confirmed that they would work on the summits cooperatively. At the same time, toward the IGF 2023 meeting which scheduled to be held in Japan, both countries decided to cooperate by sharing Germany’s experience and acquired knowledge at the IGF 2019 meeting in Berlin.

2. Digital platform policy

Germany explained an overview of the Network Enforcement Act (Netzwerkdurchsetzungsgesetz in German, abbreviated NetzDG) and Competition Law 4.0 in Germany in relation to the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA) announced by the EU last year. Japan explained the recent initiatives regarding digital market competition, the Act Partially Amending the Telecommunications Business Act (for the strengthening of the effectiveness of law enforcement for foreign corporations, etc.), which was enacted in May last year, and countermeasures against online harassment and disinformation.

3. Data usage / AI・IoT

Germany explained the GAIA-X project, which aims to build safe and reliable data infrastructure for Europe, and the data strategy decided by the Cabinet in January this year. Japan explained the status of Japan-Germany Joint Research to optimize wireless communications at manufacturing sites and explained Japan’s data strategy whose first draft was announced in December last year. Japan also introduced the 2020 Report of the Conference toward AI Network Society, which was released in July last year. Regarding the next Japan-Germany Joint Research, both countries shared their views that their responsible parties will discuss a new joint project.

4. 5G and Beyond 5G (6G)

Germany explained its efforts for 5G deployment and R&D budget for 6G, including the technology development for private corporate networks using the 5G Campus Network and the public appeal for Open RAN chip development projects. Japan introduced the 5G security related measures and the status of efforts to promote Beyond 5G, including the Beyond 5G Promotion Consortium, the Beyond 5G New Business Strategy Center. In particular, Germany showed high interest in the MIC’s R&D measures towards Beyond 5G (6G) and decided to consider Japan-Germany Joint Projects.

5. Business Consultations

In this session, the private sectors from both Japan and Germany also participated, and discussions were held between the public and private sectors based on issues in the business environment. Germany explained the efforts of the German industry regarding GAIA-X and Open RAN. Japan explained the 5G overseas development projects and Open RAN initiatives.