Japan’s Strategic Advancement in AI: A Path to Global Competitiveness

The Japanese government’s latest Science, Technology, and Innovation White Paper, ratified on the 11th, underscores the critical role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing the nation’s global competitiveness. It emphasizes the necessity of sustained investment in research and development, as well as the cultivation of skilled professionals and the strengthening of collaborations among top-tier researchers both domestically and internationally.

This year’s white paper features AI, which has rapidly evolved and expanded in application in recent years. It presents the latest global research trends and explores the potential and challenges associated with AI utilization.

Since the 2020s, the United States and China, with their strategic state-led investments, have accelerated AI research and development. In contrast, Japan faces mounting challenges, including securing talent and research funding.

Amidst these challenges, Japan is advancing research and development in AI, particularly leveraging its strengths in the automotive and robotics engineering sectors. Notable examples include the use of generative AI in car design.

Furthermore, the movement to utilize AI in scientific research has commenced, with projects such as predicting protein structural changes from a multitude of microscopic images using generative AI, thereby contributing to drug discovery.

As AI-fueled discoveries and breakthroughs are anticipated, the white paper points out that Japan’s enhancement of international competitiveness will hinge on continuous investment in research and development, talent cultivation, and reinforced collaboration among top-level researchers, as well as support for researchers employing AI.

Source: NHK News