January 17, 2021 Release of Interim Summary of Expert Group 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) have been holding expert group meetings on the development of digital infrastructures, e.g., data centers (DCs). These meetings aim 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.
In this connection, a report entitled Interim Summary of Expert Group Meetings on Development of Digital Infrastructures (e.g., DCs) has been released today, based on the discussions at the meetings.

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 have gathered to share information and exchange opinions on the future direction of policy since October 2021.
The interim summary of the expert group meetings on the development of digital infrastructures, e.g., data centers (DCs), has been released today, based on the discussions at the meetings. METI and MIC will continue promoting the appropriate development of digital infrastructures based on this interim report.

2. About Interim Summary

• Interim Summary of Expert Group Meetings on Development of Digital Infrastructures (e.g., DCs)
• Interim Summary of Expert Group Meetings on Development of Digital Infrastructures (e.g., DCs) (Outline)