Innovation mission Japan: artificial intelligence & (digital) infrastructure

The Netherlands and Japan face similar challenges in the areas of infrastructure and the labour market. Many bridges, roads and other civil engineering structures are reaching the end of their service life and need to be maintained or replaced. This poses a major challenge due to staff shortages and the lack of a clear, structured approach.

Furthermore, it is becoming increasingly important that the infrastructure remains robust and reliable. Climate change and geopolitical tensions are creating greater risks, putting pressure on the security of supply and the safety of the infrastructure.

During the innovation mission to Japan in May 2025, it became clear that both countries have a wealth of high-quality data on their infrastructure. The Netherlands is focusing on collaboration between the government and businesses, and on systems that can work well together. By investing in artificial intelligence (AI), data sharing and digitalisation, it is possible to better predict when maintenance is required. This makes maintenance more efficient, increases productivity and ensures that maintenance is only carried out where it is genuinely needed.

These developments are in line with the broader transition to a sustainable and digital society. Digital infrastructure is also important in this context. This calls for smart management solutions, secure and reliable data, and reduced dependence on foreign digital platforms.

During this innovation mission to Japan, we will therefore be bringing Dutch companies, knowledge institutions and public authorities into contact with Japanese partners to collaborate on enabling smarter infrastructure management, data and cloud infrastructure, and domain-specific AI models.

For whom?

The innovation mission is aimed at, amongst others, companies, research institutions, public authorities, innovation clusters and field labs active in asset management within transport, infrastructure and property, and which are working on digitalisation solutions focused on:

• Prioritisation in infrastructure replacement decisions
• Increasing the accuracy of predictive maintenance using Digital Twins
• Developing domain-specific AI models
• Accelerating data usage, data sharing/data visiting, and privacy-enhancing technologies (PET)
• The first participants in the delegation are Word Class Maintenance, ProRail, TNO, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy and Rijkswaterstaat.

Why Japan?

Japan and the Netherlands face the same challenges and are seeking solutions. In recent years, Japan has already made a strong commitment to digitalisation and Society 5.0. Japan also possesses large amounts of high-quality infrastructure data and advanced AI capabilities across various sectors (including through RIKEN and Fujitsu). These come together in national programmes such as the Smart Infrastructure Management System.

Highly innovative solutions are already being put into practice in Japan. This makes Japanese companies and research institutions attractive partners for innovation collaboration, and Japan also represents a potential market for new asset management products.

Mission objectives

Through this innovation mission, the Netherlands and Japan aim to further strengthen their cooperation in the field of infrastructure management and maintenance. The aim is to jointly explore which specific projects and pilot schemes are feasible. The focus is on smart infrastructure management and predictive maintenance, so that maintenance can be carried out on time and more efficiently.

Short-term objectives

• Identifying new partners and business opportunities
• Enhancing the visibility of Dutch participants 
• Exchanging knowledge and state-of-the-art initiatives 
• Connecting the Dutch and Japanese innovation ecosystems in AI and data for predictive maintenance
• Identifying potential R&D collaboration projects 
• Establishing the first public-private partnership
• Launching an initial pilot project

Long-term objectives

• Establishing structural cooperation between the Netherlands and Japan
• Developing joint data space solutions
• Scaling up to multiple (pilot) projects
• Further promoting public-private partnerships

Concept programme

The programme is currently being developed. We are trying to take participants’ wishes into account as much as possible when putting together the final programme.

The mission consists of an intensive 5-day programme in Tokyo and the surrounding area:

Costs

The cost of participating in the innovation mission is €350 excl. VAT per person. This includes:

• Participation in the collective programme;
• Transfers to and from programme components;
• Lunch and dinners, if mentioned in the programme.

Participation does not include:

• Travel and accommodation costs (intercontinental and domestic flights and hotels);
• All individual costs, such as lunches and dinners outside the programme.

Registration

You can register using the online registration form. Please register by 15 September at the latest.

Please note: registration does not automatically guarantee participation. Final participation depends on the number of places available and the extent to which your organisation aligns with the mission's objectives.

Want to know more?

Do you have any questions about this innovation mission? If so, please contact:

• Betoel Al-Hassaan via betoel.al-hassaan@rvo.nl
• Ruben Wassink via ruben.wassink@rvo.nl
• Eras Draaijers