Standardising internet of things (IoT) security, improving semiconductor supply chains and joint research and development projects are among the initiatives being explored in a new digital partnership between the UK and Japan.
The partnership, announced on Tuesday, is looking at ways to make it easier for businesses to operate in both countries by aligning digital regulations.
It will see government departments from both countries meet annually as part of a Digital Council in a push to increase collaboration between the British and Japanese tech industries.
The UK-Japan Digital Council, which will be made up of ministers from the UK’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, will seek to explore new tech trade and collaboration projects.
It builds on a memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries in October.
The government has listed improving and securing the supply chain for assets vital for the digital economy as a potential benefit. This includes semiconductors, which have been a central point of criticism of the government, which has yet to iron out a true semiconductor strategy.
The Asian microchip industry is the biggest in the world and Japan specifically has been ranked fourth globally for the size of semiconductor manufacturing equipment sales.
The new partnership will also attempt to boost the size of the tech industries of both the UK and Japan, which are worth a combined £406bn, according to government data.
“The UK’s relationship with Japan has grown from strength to strength in recent years based on a foundation of shared goals and values,” said Digital Secretary Michelle Donelan.
“Our thriving tech sectors are another opportunity for us to work together to benefit citizens and businesses across both countries.”
Britain has been on a streak of digital partnership formations in recent weeks as it looks to fill the gap made by its exit from the European Union.
The latest announcement follows the government’s attempts to expand its digital relationship with Ukraine, with a particular focus on cybersecurity. Last month, it was also announced that the UK would renew its fintech partnership with Singapore.
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