August 28, 2025 Study Group on Next-Generation ITS Communications for Cooperative Automated Driving (Phase 3)
-Considering the Future of Communication Infrastructure in Anticipation of the Full-scale Arrival of an Autonomous Driving Society-

　The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) will convene the “Study Group on Next-Generation ITS Communications for Cooperative Automated Driving” (Phase 3) to examine the future of communication infrastructure in anticipation of the full-scale arrival of an autonomous driving society in the 2030s, taking into account trends in autonomous driving technology as well as digital and AI technologies.

Note: The published materials are in Japanese only.

1. Objective

　Against the backdrop of a declining population and an aging society, while ensuring the stable and efficient provision of regional public transportation and logistics has become a challenge, at the same time, rapid advancements in AI technology are driving progress in autonomous driving development both domestically and internationally. Including the analysis and utilization of the data collected, autonomous driving is expected to serve as a means of solving challenges in road traffic society and to enable the creation of new services and value in the mobility sector.
　In Japan, efforts are being made at the national level to realize Level 4 autonomous driving, and to achieve this, it is an urgent priority to ensure the communication environment and develop the communication infrastructure that will support autonomous driving.
　Based on this situation, the MIC will convene this study group (Phase 3) to examine how national policies and private-sector initiatives regarding communication infrastructure should be shaped from a broad perspective of “autonomous driving x communications.” Looking ahead to the 2030s, when a full-fledged autonomous driving society is expected to emerge, the group will consider the latest trends and future outlook for autonomous driving technology, digital and AI technologies, data distribution and utilization, regional digital transformation (DX), and more.

2. Key considerations

(1) The future of communication infrastructure in anticipation of the full-scale arrival of an autonomous driving society in the 2030s
(2) Other matters

3. Schedule

　The first meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, and subsequent meetings are scheduled to be held as needed, with the aim of compiling the findings around the summer of 2026.