As the United Kingdom and Japan deepen cooperation across innovation, industrial policy and advanced technologies, the role of institutions that connect businesses, startups and research ecosystems has become increasingly important. Against this backdrop, Hideo Yura, Director General of JETRO UK, shares how they are building on decades of bilateral engagement to foster collaboration in areas ranging from digital and net zero to healthcare, semiconductors and emerging frontier technologies, while supporting UK startups seeking entry into the Japanese market and strengthening ties across industry, government and academia.
We at JETRO London have been promoting business collaboration between Japanese and UK companies for decades. The UK has a strong academic network and a tradition of translating innovative technologies into new businesses. JETRO London is now working together with large Japanese corporations to search for new technologies, and we are inviting startup companies to enter the Japanese market. Our main technology focus areas have three pillars: digital, net zero, and healthcare. These areas are important for both the UK and Japan. The strength of the UK’s deep-tech startups and ecosystem provides us with opportunities to promote excellent collaboration.
We have supported business dialogues between UK and Japanese companies in the semiconductor industry this year. UK semiconductor startups visited SEMICON Japan this December, and we arranged matching events with Japanese companies. The life science industry, including pharmaceuticals and medtech, is another area of promotion. A sector-by-sector approach is essential to expanding networks between us. The UK Modern Industrial Strategy has identified eight sectors as promising industrial areas for the UK. Policy coordination between the two governments further strengthens our business relationship.
“We at JETRO London have been promoting business collaboration between Japanese and UK companies for decades.”
Hideo Yura, Director General of JETRO UK
Japanese policies now strongly promote startup companies to revitalize the overall industrial structure. Private companies and financial institutions are also supporting these efforts. Investors and accelerators from abroad are paying increasing attention to the Japanese ecosystem. Networking among these ecosystem players is also effective in enhancing the likelihood of further collaboration.
Future-oriented technologies such as quantum, fusion energy, space, and the universe are key areas we should explore further for bilateral cooperation. The UK has been attracting Japanese scientists and technology companies to conduct joint research and development. It is important to promote joint projects by expanding our network with research organizations and academia in the UK and Europe.
