Ericsson to Boost R&D Operations in Japan, Creating Up to 300 Jobs and Strengthening the Nation’s Digital Future

Ericsson to Boost R&D Operations in Japan, Creating Up to 300 Jobs and Strengthening the Nation’s Digital Future

(IN BRIEF) Ericsson is expanding its research and development operations in Japan, with an investment expected to create up to 300 high-skilled telecom jobs. This move is part of Ericsson’s broader strategy to strengthen Japan’s role in its global connectivity ecosystem and enhance the country’s technological capabilities. The commitment coincides with a visit from Ericsson’s President and CEO, Börje Ekholm, and emphasizes Japan’s strategic importance for the company. The expansion will focus on advanced RAN R&D for 5G and beyond, aiming to deliver open, high-performance programmable networks. Additionally, Ericsson is collaborating with local universities on 6G research, reinforcing its long-standing presence and commitment to Japan’s digital future.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 16-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC), a Swedish multinational networking and telecommunications company, is intensifying its commitment to Japan’s connectivity landscape by investing in research and development (R&D), which is set to create up to 300 high-skilled telecom jobs initially. This move strengthens Japan’s position within Ericsson’s global ecosystem and reinforces the country’s strategic significance for the company. The announcement aligns with a visit from Ericsson’s President and CEO, Börje Ekholm, to Japan, underscoring the importance of the country in advancing technological innovation.

“Japan is recognized globally for its pioneering adoption of new connectivity technologies,” said Ekholm. “As we approach a new era of technological transformation, connectivity will serve as the foundation for these changes. Ericsson’s investment in advanced RAN R&D, including 5G and future innovations, aims to contribute to Japan’s ongoing legacy and enhance the entire telecom ecosystem, benefiting our partners, suppliers, and customers in Japan and beyond.”

The commitment to R&D in Japan is already in motion, with ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s role in the global telecom ecosystem. Ekholm added, “This R&D expansion highlights Japan’s strategic importance to Ericsson. It complements our ongoing 6G-focused initiatives and reinforces our dedication to collaborating with local stakeholders to drive the success of open, high-performing programmable networks.”

High-performance, programmable networks are critical for enabling groundbreaking innovations, such as AI business applications. Through this initiative, Ericsson plans to deepen its collaboration with Japanese ecosystem suppliers and partners, while allowing local players to contribute to strengthening the global R&D ecosystem.

Per Narvinger, Executive Vice President and Head of Ericsson Networks, emphasized that the investment would help address Japan’s growing need for advanced digital infrastructure. “Ericsson has a longstanding presence in Japan, operating for over 40 years. The country’s rich technological ecosystem and talent pool make it an ideal location for expanding our R&D efforts. High-performing 5G networks are essential for Japan’s digital future, and Ericsson is committed to driving the collaboration needed to make an open RAN-ready network a reality.”

Ericsson invests approximately USD 5 billion annually in R&D, a key driver of its leadership in 5G and next-generation technologies. The company has been operating in Japan since 1985, with offices in Tokyo, Yokohama, and Sendai, and employs over 1,000 people in the country. In addition to expanding R&D operations, Ericsson is also partnering with Yokohama National University and the University of Electro-Communications to advance 6G research in Japan.

Media contact:

media.relations@ericsson.com  (+46 10 719 69 92)
investor.relations@ericsson.com  (+46 10 719 00 00)

ABOUT ERICSSON:
Ericsson’s high-performing, programmable networks provide connectivity for billions of people every day. For nearly 150 years, we’ve been pioneers in creating technology for communication. We offer mobile communication and connectivity solutions for service providers and enterprises. Together with our customers and partners, we make the digital world of tomorrow a reality. www.ericsson.com

SOURCE: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson