Ericsson commits to Japan R&D investment

Rhea-AI Summary

Ericsson (ERIC) has announced plans to expand its R&D presence in Japan, with an initial creation of up to 300 high-skilled telecommunications jobs. The investment will focus on advanced RAN R&D in 5G and beyond, aiming to strengthen Japan's connectivity ecosystem. The company, which currently employs over 1,000 people in Japan, invests approximately $5 billion annually in global R&D.

The expansion will support Japan's digital infrastructure development through open high-performing programmable networks, fostering collaboration with local ecosystem suppliers and partners. Ericsson is already engaged in 6G research partnerships with Japanese universities and maintains offices in Tokyo, Yokohama, and Sendai since beginning operations in Japan in 1985.

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Global Technology Investment Strategist

Ericsson's R&D investment in Japan strengthens its position in a key market while addressing future network demands and global competition.

Ericsson's planned R&D investment in Japan represents a strategic market positioning move with several important dimensions. By committing to create up to 300 high-skilled jobs focused on Radio Access Network (RAN) development, Ericsson is establishing deeper roots in one of the world's most technologically advanced telecommunications markets.

The investment carries three key strategic benefits: First, it positions Ericsson closer to Japan's innovation ecosystem, known for early technology adoption and cutting-edge network requirements. Second, it strengthens Ericsson's global R&D capabilities in critical 5G and future 6G technologies. Third, it supports Ericsson's open RAN strategy, which is increasingly important as network architectures evolve.

This move should be viewed within the context of intense global competition in telecommunications infrastructure. With annual R&D spending of approximately $5 billion, Ericsson is allocating resources to markets where it can maximize innovation returns. Japan, with its sophisticated requirements and technical talent pool, offers this environment.

The emphasis on open high-performing programmable networks aligns with industry direction toward more flexible network architectures. By expanding its footprint in Japan, Ericsson gains proximity to important regional customers while positioning for long-term technological leadership in Asia.

This investment follows Ericsson's existing collaborations with SoftBank and Japanese universities on 6G research, indicating a coordinated long-term strategy rather than an isolated initiative. For Ericsson shareholders, this represents a calculated expansion of R&D capabilities in a strategic market that could strengthen competitive positioning in next-generation network technologies.

• Up to 300 R&D jobs could initially be created in Japan, highlighting the country's strategic importance to Ericsson
• Investment to support Japan's connectivity ecosystem of partners, suppliers and customers globally
• R&D innovation to help accelerate the build-out of national digital infrastructure, through deployment of open high-performing programmable networks

STOCKHOLM, May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) plans to ramp up its commitment to Japan's connectivity ecosystem through R&D investment that will initially see up to 300 high-skilled next-generation telecoms jobs created in the country. This will also enable Japan's ecosystem to become an integral part of Ericsson's global ecosystem.

Today's announcement of intention coincides with a country visit by Ericsson President and CEO, Börje Ekholm.

"Japan is known around the world for embracing emerging technology and being frontrunner adopters of new generations of connectivity," he says. "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. Ericsson's intention is to invest in that pioneering Japanese legacy through advanced RAN R&D in 5G, and beyond, to benefit the entire telecoms ecosystem of partners, suppliers and customers in Japan."

While the process is in its initial stages, Ekholm said the commitment is actively being progressed.

"Our intent to expand R&D in Japan emphasizes how strategically important the market is to Ericsson," he adds. "In addition to complementing ongoing Ericsson 6G-focused partnerships in Japan, it also highlights our commitment to work with all local stakeholders to deliver the benefits of open high-performing programmable networks."

The speed, low-latency, large data capacity and intelligent capabilities of high performing, programmable networks are key to making innovative new technology business use cases - including AI - a reality.

The RAN-focused investment will benefit from closer collaboration with ecosystem suppliers and partners in Japan. The new Japan R&D capabilities will also give local partners the opportunity to play a role in strengthening Ericsson's global ecosystem.

Per Narvinger, Executive Vice President and Head of Ericsson Networks, says the investment will enable Ericsson to better meet Japan's digital infrastructure needs as the country invests in high-performing programmable 5G networks.

"Ericsson has a long and proud history in Japan," he says. "We have been operating in the country for more than 40 years and recognize 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 adds: "The race for digitalization is a global competition and high-performing programmable 5G networks will be instrumental for Japan. At Ericsson, we're committed to strengthening collaborations to industrialize an Open RAN-ready network, ensuring Japan's digital future is bright and prosperous."

Globally, Ericsson invests around USD 5 billion in R&D annually, which plays a significant role in cementing the company's technology leadership in 5G and next-generation products and solutions.

Ericsson began operations in Japan in 1985. The company has offices in Tokyo, Yokohama and Sendai. The company currently employs more than 1,000 people in the country.

In addition to the intent to expand research and development operations in Japan, Ericsson is collaborating on 6G research with the Yokohama National University and the University of Electro-Communications.

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ABOUT ERICSSON:

Ericsson's high-performing, programmable networks provide connectivity for billions of people every day. For nearly 150 years, we've been pioneers in creating technology for communication. We offer mobile communication and connectivity solutions for service providers and enterprises. Together with our customers and partners, we make the digital world of tomorrow a reality. www.ericsson.com

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Ericsson commits to Japan R&D investment

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FAQ

What is Ericsson's new R&D investment plan in Japan for 2025?

Ericsson plans to create up to 300 high-skilled telecommunications R&D jobs in Japan, focusing on advanced RAN R&D in 5G and beyond technologies.

How many employees does Ericsson currently have in Japan?

Ericsson currently employs more than 1,000 people in Japan, with offices in Tokyo, Yokohama, and Sendai.

How much does Ericsson invest in global R&D annually?

Ericsson invests approximately USD 5 billion in R&D annually to maintain its technology leadership in 5G and next-generation solutions.

When did Ericsson start operations in Japan?

Ericsson began its operations in Japan in 1985, maintaining a presence in the country for over 40 years.

What universities is Ericsson collaborating with for 6G research in Japan?

Ericsson is collaborating on 6G research with the Yokohama National University and the University of Electro-Communications.