Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) plans to ramp up its commitment to Japan’s connectivity ecosystem through R&D investment that will initially see up to 300 high-skilled next-generation telecoms jobs created in the country. This will also enable Japan’s ecosystem to become an integral part of Ericsson’s global ecosystem.
Today’s announcement of intention coincides with a country visit by Ericsson President and CEO, Börje Ekholm.
“Japan is known around the world for embracing emerging technology and being frontrunner adopters of new generations of connectivity,” he says. “We are on the cusp of the biggest transformative and innovative changes in the history of technology and connectivity is the key to making them happen through open high-performing programmable networks. Ericsson’s intention is to invest in that pioneering Japanese legacy through advanced RAN R&D in 5G, and beyond, to benefit the entire telecoms ecosystem of partners, suppliers and customers in Japan.”
While the process is in its initial stages, Ekholm said the commitment is actively being progressed.
“Our intent to expand R&D in Japan emphasizes how strategically important the market is to Ericsson,” he adds. “In addition to complementing ongoing Ericsson 6G-focused partnerships in Japan, it also highlights our commitment to work with all local stakeholders to deliver the benefits of open high-performing programmable networks.”
The speed, low-latency, large data capacity and intelligent capabilities of high performing, programmable networks are key to making innovative new technology business use cases - including AI - a reality.
The RAN-focused investment will benefit from closer collaboration with ecosystem suppliers and partners in Japan. The new Japan R&D capabilities will also give local partners the opportunity to play a role in strengthening Ericsson’s global ecosystem.
Per Narvinger, Executive Vice President and Head of Ericsson Networks, says the investment will enable Ericsson to better meet Japan's digital infrastructure needs as the country invests in high-performing programmable 5G networks.
Read the full press release here.