This conference serves as a vital platform for exploring and enhancing the strategic partnership between the EU and Japan in the rapidly evolving fields of artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. By bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers, the event aims to foster dialogue and collaboration, paving the way for innovative solutions that benefit both regions.

The first part of the conference will delve into the policy and regulatory frameworks that are foundational to the collaboration between the EU and Japan in digital technologies, with a particular emphasis on AI and quantum technologies. Participants will discuss strategic initiatives and potential policy pathways that can strengthen these partnerships, aiming to drive innovation and technological advancement.

In the second part, the focus will shift to highlighting successful examples of collaboration and exploring new opportunities between European and Japanese organizations in the realms of AI and quantum technologies. The discussion will provide insights into ongoing projects that demonstrate the potential for shared technological solutions, such as using high-performance computing for AI applications in critical areas like health, climate, and material sciences. By underscoring practical experiences, the session aims to identify concrete opportunities for further cooperation and the development of robust EU-Japan partnerships, leveraging the strengths of both regions to address global challenges.

Programme

15:00 - 15:30 OPENING REMARKS

• Kazutoshi AIKAWA, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Mission of Japan to the European Union, Japan
• Christian EHLER, MEP, Chair, Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA), European Parliament, EU
• Hiroshi KOMIYAMA, Chairman, Science and Technology in Society forum (STS forum), Japan

Perspectives on EU-JP science and technology

• Signe RATSO, Deputy Director General, DG RTD, European Commission, EU

15:30 - 16:30 PANEL 1: EU-Japan Digital Partnership Framework

• Eszter LAKOS, Member of the EP Delegation for Relations with Japan and STOA Panel member
• Eigo NOMURA, Director-General for International Affairs, Global Strategy Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication (MIC), Japan
• Gustav KALBE, Director of Enabling and Emerging Technologies, DG CONNECT, European Commission
• Shigekazu MATSUURA, Deputy Assistant Minister / Deputy Director-General, Research Promotion Bureau and Higher Education Policy, Science and Technology Policy Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan

Moderator: Christian EHLER, MEP and STOA Chair

Q&A session

16:30 - 17:30 PANEL 2: EU-Japan Cooperation: Best Practices and Practitioners' Views

• Serban GEORGESCU, Chief Executive Officer, Fujitsu Research of Europe Limited
• Erik STANGERUP, Chief Executive Officer, QunaSys Europe, Denmark
• Edouard AUDIT, HANAMI project coordinator, CEA, France
• Mikael JOHANSSON, Quantum Computing lead, CSC - Finnish IT Centre for Science, Finland
• Masahiro HORIBE, SIP Sub Program Director, Secretariat of Science, CSTI, CAO, Government of Japan; Deputy Director, G-QuAT, AIST, Japan

Moderator: Lina GALVEZ, MEP and STOA Vice-Chair

Q&A session

17:30 - 18:00 CLOSING REMARKS

• Lina GALVEZ, MEP and STOA Vice-Chair
• Kozo SAIKI, Director General, JETRO Brussels