This report covers the BBL webinar "Japan's Response in the U.S.-China High-Tech Friction: Insights from Comparing the Innovation Systems of Three Countries" hosted by the Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI) on July 2, 2025.
The technological rivalry between the U.S. and China over cutting-edge technology sectors has evolved into a technology hegemony struggle reminiscent of the U.S.-Soviet rivalry during the Cold War. In this lecture, Professor Kazuyuki Motohashi from the University of Tokyo's Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RIETI Faculty Fellow) presented empirical research findings on international comparisons of innovation systems among Japan, the U.S., and China. The analysis particularly focused on examining the characteristics and differences in innovation processes across the three countries through analysis of patent information and website content from listed companies.
As U.S.-China decoupling progresses in high-tech industries, determining Japan's strategic approach has become a critical challenge. Based on insights gained from empirical research, Professor Motohashi outlined pathways for Japan to build international collaborative relationships that leverage its strengths while complementing its weaknesses. The discussion was enriched by commentary from Takuya Fukumoto, Deputy Director-General of the Minister's Secretariat (GX Group) and Chief Coordinator for Innovation Policy at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, who provided policy perspectives.
The article underscores the importance of Japan's strategic approach to establishing its unique position amid U.S.-China high-tech friction and maintaining and enhancing competitiveness through strengthening its innovation system.