September 30, 2021 Inquiry on Information and Communication Technology Strategy for Beyond 5G―Towards Robust and Vibrant Society in the 2030s Addressed to Information and Communications Council

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) sent an inquiry to the Information and Communications Council (headed by Mr. UCHIYAMADA Takeshi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Toyota Motor Corporation) today on information and communications technology strategy for beyond 5G―towards a robust and vibrant society in the 2030s.

1. Inquiry outline and reason

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of information and communications in people’s lives and economic activities, along with the security associated with the use of information and communications, has become even more important due to the progress of digitalization and other factors. In particular, the next-generation information and communications infrastructure, i.e., Beyond 5G, which will play a leading role in Society 5.0, is entering an important phase of developing advanced technologies against the backdrop of intensifying international competition.
MIC’s Beyond 5G Promotion Strategy, which was formulated in June 2020, states that the vision of society in the 2030s should be the realization of a strong and vibrant society. It further states that the integration of cyber and physical space (called the “Cyber-Physical System”) should be advanced, and people’s lives and economic activities should be smoothly maintained. In order to achieve this goal, it is urgent to consider concrete measures for the further promotion of the research and development (R&D) strategy and IP/standardization strategy proposed in the Beyond 5G Promotion Strategy.
In April 2021, the Basic Act on Science, Technology, and Innovation came into effect. At the same time, the Sixth Science, Technology, and Innovation Basic Plan (a five-year plan decided by the Cabinet in March 2021) entered its planning period. Under this plan, the government as a whole has been working on and reviewing its initiatives and sectoral strategies (e.g., quantum, AI, intellectual property and standardization, space, safety, security, etc.) to create innovations. In the future, it is expected that cooperation among related ministries and agencies will further accelerate the embodiment of policies. Therefore, it is necessary to re-organize MIC’s ICT technology policy and then consider how to respond to the government strategies.
As mentioned above, it is necessary to consider and organize the measures to promote Beyond 5G, aiming at a robust and vibrant society in the 2030s, while considering the future technological trends in the information and communication field and the innovation policy trends of the government as a whole. Therefore, this inquiry is to consult on the ideal information and communications technology strategy for Beyond 5G.

2. Inquiry items

• 1.
  Prospects for information and communication technologies in the 2030s
• 2.
  R&D strategy and intellectual property/standardization strategy for Beyond 5G
• 3.
  The state of ICT technology policy in light of government-wide policy trends
• 4.
  Other matters considered necessary

3. Report deadline

Around June 2022

4. Deliberation structure

At the Information and Communications Council’s meeting held today, it was decided that this inquiry would be referred to the Department on Information and Communications Technology for deliberation.