High performance and other forms of large scale compute is a key enabler of science, research and innovation and sits at the heart of value chains that extend deep into the economy. High performance computing is essential to R&D in a range of sectors, including healthcare and drug discovery, engineering and manufacturing, financial services and risk analysis, particle physics, materials science and more.
It is viewed as a key part of countries’ ambition to remain relevant in science and innovation. Countries around the world are increasingly looking to develop their capabilities in this area to not fall behind competition.
Japan has recently pledged to invest heavily in its compute infrastructure as it is seen vital for maintaining and improving Japan's scientific and industrial capabilities. The sixth Science, Technology and Innovation plan (FY 2021 – 2025) - building on the Society 5.0 plan - further emphasises the importance of investing in R&D for next generation infrastructure including high performance computing and quantum technology.
Equally, the UK Government, led by DCMS, have announced the upcoming future of compute strategy to understand what the UK’s advanced compute needs will be in the next decade, and how government should meet them. techUK believe compute infrastructure is strategic national infrastructure, as important to our economic future in an information age as steel was in the industrial age.
While Japan is one of the world’s leaders in both power and total capacity of high-performance compute, the UK holds global leadership in data analytics, cybersecurity, AI, machine learning and quantum technologies. As there is convergence of compute infrastructure with other key technologies like quantum, cloud, and AI, there are collaboration opportunities for both countries in driving future of compute forward.
At this techUK meeting, we will discuss both countries’ approaches to building compute infrastructures, and explore R&D and industry collaboration opportunities.
The session will also explore:
- How UK and Japan can leverage bilateral cooperation to broaden accessibility of HPC, large-scale computer systems and quantum systems to SMEs.
- What mechanisms and initiatives both governments and industry need to put in place to drive bilateral industry to industry exchanges.
- We will also explore how to enable further cooperation on shared research, as well as other areas of shared interest such skills and talent.
Speakers will include:
- Hisashi Kanazashi, Director, IT Industry Division, METI
- Jenny Hall, Co-Director for International, DCMS
- Andrew Dean, Sales Director, OCF Limited
- Dr Dave Snelling, Director of Advanced Compute, Fujitsu
- Hirochika Asai, VP of Infrastructure Strategy, Preferred Networks, Inc.
This virtual meeting is jointly organised with JEITA.
About the UK-Japan Tech Forum
Hosted by techUK and the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA), the UK-Japan Tech Forum is a platform to allow businesses to engage with key stakeholders in government and business in areas of UK-Japan trade, policy and market growth in both countries.
The forum is for representatives of businesses, government and other stakeholders interested in influencing or understanding the policy landscape impacting the technology sector, trade relations, and the market opportunities and challenges in Japan and the UK.
The forum brings members together to discuss issues and events that may impact their growth in the UK and Japan and provides an avenue for collective concerns to be aired and discussed with both governments. Moreover, it provides a platform for participants to explore emerging opportunities for growth and expand their business networks.
Laura Foster
Laura is techUK’s Associate Director for Technology and Innovation.
