Germany and Japan strengthen cooperation on AI for government modernisation and digitalisation as well as 6G

On 8 September 2026, the 9th annual meeting of the Japan-Germany ICT Policy Dialogue was held in Berlin, in close connection with the Berlin 6G Conference. The Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) and the German Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation (BMDS) hosted the event. It brought together representatives from both governments and businesses to agree on shared priorities in digital policy and emerging technologies.

The ICT Policy Dialogue, established in 2016, reflects the trusted digital partnership between Germany and Japan. Both sides emphasised the importance of cooperation among like-minded partners to strengthen innovation as well as secure and open digital ecosystems.

From policy dialogue to practical cooperation

During the first part of the annual meeting, a government-to-government exchange, MIC and BMDS addressed five key areas: AI, wireless power transfer, protection of minors online, data policy, and 5G and beyond 5G/6G. They shared updates on national initiatives and explored opportunities for closer cooperation, including on government AI, digital infrastructure and research.

A particular focus was placed on the topic beyond 5G/6G, including Open RAN and AI-RAN, as well as opportunities for research cooperation. The discussions also highlighted the importance of continued exchange on regulatory approaches and standards to support innovation and facilitate market access in both countries.

Looking ahead, Germany and Japan agreed to work towards clear priorities for cooperation in 2027, with the aim of creating concrete outcomes and benefits for businesses.

Business perspectives on 5G/6G and wireless power

The government-to-government exchange was followed by a business roundtable, bringing together companies, associations and research institutions from both countries: Aeterlink Corp., Bitkom, Deutsche Telekom, Federation of German Industries (BDI), Fujitsu Germany GmbH, Giesecke + Devrient, MBS GmbH, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology of Japan (NICT), Nokia, Siemens AG and Space Compass. The discussions focused on two technologies with significant potential for future industrial applications: Beyond 5G/6G and Wireless Power Transfer (WPT).

The participants discussed cooperation opportunities – such as Public Private Partnerships, presented by JICT, the Fund Corporation for the Overseas Development of Japan’s ICT and Postal Services, that fosters international partnerships in ICT infrastructure and services.

Other key topics of the roundtable were remaining challenges related to standards, regulation, investment and market uptake.

The roundtable underlined the importance of connecting political dialogue with business and research perspectives to turn technological potential into concrete projects and economic benefits.