JETRO Invest Japan Report 2023
Chapter3. Recent Government Measures Section7. R&D Project of the Enhanced Infrastructure for Post-5G Information and Communication Systems

5G, the 5th generation mobile communication system, which enables higher speed and larger capacity communication compared to its predecessor 4G, is currently widely used for commercial services at telecommunication terminals in many countries. Meanwhile, post-5G systems, with the enhanced functions, such as ultra-low latency data transmission and multiple simultaneous connection of many terminals, are expected to be used for a wide variety of industrial applications such as autonomous driving, smart factories, and medical and healthcare.

The post-5G technologies include those that are indispensable for achieving both a digital society and decarbonization, and their importance is recognized as a core technology for strengthening Japan's industrial competitiveness. The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) has set up a "R&D Project of the Enhanced Infrastructures for Post-5G Information and Communication Systems" with a total amount of 795 billion yen for the project period from 2020. In order to support R&D of core technologies, the project is outsourced and subsidized. More specifically, as well as developing post-5G information and communication systems and advanced semiconductors to be used in such systems, the project promotes the development of technologies for manufacturing advanced semiconductors.

Chart 3-7: R&D Project of the Enhanced Infrastructure for Post-5G Information and Communication Systems
Research items	Details of R&D eligible for support
Development of post-5G information and communication systems (commission, subsidy)	The item aims to promote the development of systems important for realizing the levels of performance required in the post-5G era, and development of related technologies for semiconductors and edge devices used in these systems.
Development of manufacturing technologies for advanced semiconductors (subsidy, commission)	Through the creation of pre-commercial manufacturing "pilot lines" and other activities, the item aims to promote the development of manufacturing technologies for leading-edge products, such as logic semiconductors which are not currently available in Japan. (subsidy) The item also promotes the development of core technologies where Japan ensures a competitive advantage, such as system design technologies for advanced semiconductors, technologies for realizing commercial-scale manufacturing technologies related to packaging and miniaturization. (commission, subsidy)
Feasibility study (commission, subsidy)	Feasibility studies related to R&D above two items are also conducted. This item covers technologies that may not be ready for commercialization in the post-5G era but may be promising in the latter half of the post-5G era and the next generation.