February 3, 2025 Consultation with the Information and Communications Council on Information and Communications Policies for DX in Local Communities (hereinafter referred to as the “Policies”)

　Today, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has consulted the Information and Communications Council, chaired by ENDO Nobuhiro, special advisor to NEC Corporation, on the Policies.

1. Outline of and reasons for the consultation

　Japan's local communities and economies face various challenges, including labor shortages, shrinking markets, frequent natural disasters, and aging infrastructure. These labor shortages and shrinking markets are driven by a declining birthrate, an aging population, and population decline.
　Under these circumstances, the government established the "Headquarters for Creating New Local Economies and Living Environments." Based on the idea that "local communities are the main engine for growth," the government began to consider large-scale regional revitalization measures as a catalyst for Japan's economic growth. Last December, it advocated for fully utilizing digital and new technologies as one of the key pillars for revitalization in the basic concept for Regional Revitalization 2.0.
　To sustain and develop local economies and societies while supporting the lives of local residents, we must address local challenges by fully utilizing digital technologies, including AI (local society DX), and create added value through innovation. To this end, it is important to support companies that utilize digital technology, as they can be key players in this field. This enables them to develop businesses that meet regional needs.
　The aforementioned consultation on the Policies was conducted in consideration of the situation surrounding Japan's local societies and economies, as well as the latest trends in digital technology, including AI.

2. Matters that should be included in the report

　(1) How the Policies should be formulated, considering the situation surrounding Japan's local societies and economy, as well as the latest trends in digital technology, including AI.

　(2) Other matters deemed necessary

3. Preferred timing for reporting

　Around the summer in 2025

4. Deliberation system

　At the Information and Communications Council held today, it was decided that this matter will be entrusted to and deliberated by the Information and Communications Policy Subcommittee, chaired by KOKURYO Jiro, professor at the Faculty of Policy Management, Keio University.