The mission brought together dozens of Dutch companies and knowledge institutions with Japanese partners in high-tech and digitalization. TU/e was represented by Professor of Electromagnetics Bart Smolders, who visited several universities during the mission – accompanied by a few TU/e colleagues – to explore new research collaborations. “The goal of this mission was to strengthen joint research activities in semicon, photonics, and 6G communication technologies,” Smolders explains.

New partnerships

According to Smolders, the first agreements were made during the mission with renowned Japanese universities – including those of Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Kyushu – to establish exchange programs for students and PhD candidates. “This aligns perfectly with the Beethoven Project,” he says. With that investment from the Dutch government, TU/e aims to train more people for the rapidly growing chip industry in the coming years, and to attract more students for research in semiconductors. “Collaborating with top-tier universities in Japan – and offering students opportunities to do internships, graduate research or even PhD work there – can significantly enhance the appeal of our programs,” Smolders adds.

“At the same time, Japanese students and researchers can gain valuable experience and knowledge with us.” By combining strengths, the two countries can reinforce one another, he believes. “Japan, like the Netherlands, is one of the global leaders in semicon, making it a key partner for us,” he emphasizes.

Co-creation

Japan also sees the Netherlands as a very attractive partner, Smolders notes. “The relationship with China and Korea is complex, and recent developments in the US under Trump’s leadership have made collaboration there less straightforward than before,” he explains. “Given this tense geopolitical climate, Japan is actively seeking strategic partners in Europe right now. And the Netherlands, with its world-class research in technological innovation, is a perfect fit.”

One concept came up repeatedly during the meetings: co-creation. “That’s the new buzzword in Japan,” says Smolders. “It’s not just about sharing knowledge, but truly developing together.”

Japan is also a strategically sound choice for the Netherlands. With student exchanges and study opportunities at American universities becoming increasingly difficult, Japan offers a strong alternative. “In the past, quite a few of our students went to the US during their studies or PhD tracks, but Japan could partially take over that role – just like Canada, South Africa, or countries in South America,” he explains.

Perfect timing

Smolders describes the atmosphere during the mission in Japan as very pleasant. “We were welcomed with open arms,” he says. “The Japanese are incredibly hospitable, and you can feel a strong drive to make the collaboration with the Netherlands work.” He acknowledges that the presence of King Willem-Alexander and two ministers made the trip extra special. “It gave the visit an official, ceremonial tone – but above all, I found it a very enjoyable and meaningful experience.”

Smolders also points out that Japan has undergone significant changes in recent years. “A lot more people speak English now, for example. The country used to be fairly closed and self-reliant, but nowadays, the Japanese are increasingly outward-looking and recognize the importance and necessity of international collaboration. In that sense, the timing is just perfect.”

Talent exchange

“I think the mission was very successful. We signed several MOUs (Memoranda of Understanding – formal agreements between institutions like universities to collaborate, ed.) with universities including The University of Tokyo,” Smolders says. The next step is to give substance to these collaborations in the coming months. “We hope to send the first students to Japan after the summer – and, of course, to welcome Japanese students here as well,” he says with anticipation. “It’s important that we initially send some of our top students, so they can make a great impression and help build enthusiasm for the partnership.”

“I believe talent exchange is the best way to truly get the collaboration off the ground. That’s why we don’t just want to exchange students, but eventually academic staff as well.”