Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) has announced plans to significantly increase its investment in Japan through a new research and development (R&D) initiative that will initially create up to 300 highly skilled telecoms jobs.
The move underscores the company’s long-term commitment to Japan’s digital infrastructure and cements the country’s strategic position within Ericsson’s global innovation ecosystem.
The announcement coincides with a visit by Ericsson’s president and chief executive officer, Börje Ekholm, to Japan, where he highlighted the nation’s role as a trailblazer in connectivity technologies.
“Japan is known around the world for embracing emerging technology and being frontrunner adopters of new generations of connectivity,” said Ekholm. “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.”
Ekholm added that the R&D expansion would build on Japan’s pioneering legacy in telecoms and support advanced radio access network (RAN) development for 5G and beyond.
The initiative is expected to bolster collaboration between Ericsson and Japanese partners, suppliers, and customers. By integrating Japan’s capabilities into its global operations, Ericsson aims to accelerate the rollout of intelligent, programmable networks capable of supporting next-generation applications, including artificial intelligence.
Per Narvinger, executive vice president and head of Ericsson Networks, said the new investment would help meet Japan’s growing digital needs.
“Ericsson has a long and proud history in Japan,” he said. “We have been operating in the country for more than 40 years and recognise the economic and technological importance of the Japanese market. Japan has a rich technology ecosystem and a strong talent pool, which is conducive to building a strong R&D presence in the country.”
He also pointed out that Japan’s push for programmable 5G networks aligns with global trends. “The race for digitalisation is a global competition and high-performing programmable 5G networks will be instrumental for Japan. At Ericsson, we’re committed to strengthening collaborations to industrialise an Open RAN-ready network, ensuring Japan’s digital future is bright and prosperous.”
Ericsson currently employs more than 1,000 people across its offices in Tokyo, Yokohama and Sendai. The company, which began operations in Japan in 1985, also invests roughly USD 5 billion annually in R&D globally. In Japan, it is already working with institutions such as Yokohama National University and the University of Electro-Communications on 6G research.
The new R&D investment aligns with Ericsson’s wider ambition to support digital transformation through cutting-edge network innovation, and to position Japan as a key node in the company’s worldwide tech strategy. 