The European Union (EU) joined forces with Japan to work towards a “common understanding of 5G”, identify “new harmonised frequencies” for the next-generation technology, and cooperate on future 5G applications.
“Our agreement with Japan is a milestone on the road to a global definition of 5G, its service characteristics and standards,” said Günther Oettinger, European Commissioner for digital economy and society. “It shows that our countries are ready to take leadership in building our digital future.”
Europe and Japan will also invest €12 million during the next two years in 5G-related projects to help develop the Internet of Things and ‘big data platforms’.
5G applications flagged by the agreement include connected cars and e-health.
Cooperation is also intended to “build on the strong research ties” in areas like ICT and aeronautics, as well as strengthen collaborations in health and medical research, environment, energy and physics.
The partners will also set up a joint funding mechanism that will make it easier to finance and collaborate on common R&D projects.
An agreement to “stimulate scientific exchanges” has also been signed between the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) and the European Research Council (ERC).
“Europe and Japan must tackle many of the same challenges such as energy security, ageing populations or access to critical materials,” said Carlos Moedas, Commissioner for research, science and innovation, “So it’s only natural that we also work together closely to find solutions to these challenges. The joint vision endorsed today will take our cooperation to the next level.”
In June 2014, EU announced an agreement with South Korea’s government to pool resources on 5G and ICT R&D.
