Mitsubishi Electric’s announcement to invest 100 billion yen in research and development by fiscal 2030 signals a major shift in Japan’s industrial landscape. The decision to increase the company’s R&D budget by 70% compared to its previous plan reflects its response to rapidly evolving technological trends and social demands. This article explores the significance of this announcement and highlights key points of interest.
Moving Beyond “In-House Development” to the Importance of Open Innovation
Mitsubishi Electric has emphasized “moving away from in-house development and collaborating with diverse partners.” Traditionally, many Japanese companies have prioritized in-house research and development. However, open innovation has emerged as a key to enhancing competitiveness in recent years. Collaborations with institutions like the University of Tokyo and research organizations in Taiwan exemplify efforts to integrate domestic and international knowledge and resources to create new value.
In fields like green energy and circular ecosystems, cross-border collaboration is indispensable. Addressing global challenges requires more than just corporate efforts—partnerships with universities and government agencies are crucial drivers of progress.
Proactive Investment in Growth Areas: Robots, Semiconductors, and AI
The company has also announced investments and partnerships in areas such as robotics, semiconductors, and AI—core technologies underpinning future society. Notably, the target to increase the proportion of patent applications related to AI and generative AI to 15% by fiscal 2025 underscores that Mitsubishi Electric’s intellectual property strategy is not just about setting numerical goals but also achieving tangible technological innovation.
Generative AI offers versatility applicable across various industries, from manufacturing efficiency to digital marketing and enhancing customer service. Strengthening its patent strategy demonstrates the company’s ambition to lead in these fields.
Challenges in Future Technologies: Optoelectronics, Carbon Recycling, and Quantum Technology
Mitsubishi Electric is focusing on “optoelectronics,” “carbon recycling,” and “quantum technology,” all critical areas for supporting next-generation social infrastructure. Among these, the development of GPU-integrated packages utilizing optoelectronic technology stands out. This innovation enables a dramatic increase in data processing capabilities and is poised to meet growing demand in AI and IoT sectors.
Meanwhile, carbon recycling is a key technology for realizing a decarbonized society. By leveraging its expertise in energy-related technologies, the company is expected to offer practical solutions for building a sustainable society.
Promoting Co-Creation from a Global Perspective
The announcement also highlights the promotion of co-creation activities in Europe, Asia, and North America. For Japanese companies to maintain competitiveness in global markets, strategies with a global perspective are essential. In particular, areas like energy, decarbonization, and AI are international challenges that require flexible approaches tailored to the needs of individual countries.
Future Expectations and Challenges
This strategy reflects Mitsubishi Electric’s commitment to playing a key role in building a sustainable society. However, to achieve tangible results, the following challenges must be addressed:
- Transforming internal culture that hinders open innovation
- Ensuring competitiveness in global markets
- Accelerating the commercialization of research outcomes into products and services
In particular, the speed at which research outcomes can be translated into business opportunities will be critical as the company deepens its external collaborations.
Conclusion
Mitsubishi Electric’s R&D strategy aims to challenge next-generation technologies and enhance competitiveness in global markets. Its efforts have significant implications for Japan’s industrial sector, raising expectations for new technological innovations and the realization of a sustainable society. We look forward to closely following the company’s progress in the years to come.
