Ericsson to Add 300 R&D Jobs in Japan, Boosting 5G Push

Ericsson, the Swedish telecommunications giant, is set to expand its research and development footprint in Japan, underlining the nation’s strategic importance within its global operations.

With an existing workforce of more than 1,000 in Japan, Ericsson plans to recruit 300 high-skilled professionals for next-generation telecom roles.

The move aims to harness Japan’s renowned expertise in open and programmable networks, further integrating the country’s innovation ecosystem into Ericsson’s worldwide network.

Investing in Japan’s pioneering legacy

Börje Ekholm, Ericsson’s President and CEO, stated: “Japan is known worldwide for embracing emerging technology and being frontrunner adopters of new generations of connectivity. 

“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 intends 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”.

Börje highlighted that while the expansion plans are still in the early stages, “our commitment is actively being progressed," adding, "our intent to expand R&D in Japan demonstrates how strategically important the market is to Ericsson.

"In addition to complementing ongoing Ericsson 6G-focused partnerships in Japan, it highlights our commitment to work with all local stakeholders to deliver the benefits of open high-performing programmable networks."

A legacy of collaboration and innovation

Ericsson’s relationship with Japan dates back 40 years, marked by a series of significant partnerships with major local operators. In 1989, Ericsson signed its first Memorandum of Understanding with NTT DoCoMo, followed by network deals with what would become SoftBank and a close partnership with KDDI.

Ericsson has recently deepened its collaboration with SoftBank through a five-year strategic partnership focused on AI-RAN and next-generation technologies and actively supports DoCoMo in 6G trials. KDDI has become an equity partner in Ericsson’s API joint venture, Aduna.

Per Narvinger, Executive Vice President and Head of Ericsson Networks, commented: “Ericsson has a long and proud history in Japan. 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."

Driving the future of open, programmable networks

Ericsson’s renewed R&D investment in Japan by design accelerates developing and deploying open, high-performing programmable networks. The networks are crucial for enabling advanced business use cases, including AI and supporting the digital transformation of industries.

Its focus on open networking interfaces is further evidenced by its multi-billion-dollar Open RAN deal with AT&T in late 2023, signalling a decisive shift towards open standards and interoperability.

Japan’s advanced Open RAN market, driven by innovators such as Rakuten Mobile and Rakuten Symphony, provides an ideal environment for Ericsson to pioneer research and development in open networking.

The new R&D capabilities will foster closer collaboration with local suppliers and partners, strengthening both Japan’s and Ericsson’s positions in the global telecommunications landscape.

Commitment to Japan’s digital future

“The race for digitalisation is a global competition and high-performing programmable 5G networks will be instrumental for Japan,” Per asserted. “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’s ongoing investment in R&D globally, amounting to around US$5bn annually, cements its leadership in 5G and next-generation technologies. By expanding its Ericsson’s strategic expansion in Japan is a testament to the country’s status as a leader in technology adoption and innovation.

Through increasing investment in R&D and collaboration with local stakeholders, Ericsson aims to drive the evolution of open, high-performing programmable networks, benefitting the entire telecommunications ecosystem in Japan and beyond.

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