Japan · Singapore · United Arab Emirates · BBC Technology
Why Japanese firms are being so slow to tap AI
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Facing acute labour shortages, ageing demographics and chronic productivity problems, Japanese companies should be fertile ground for the take-up of artificial intelligence (AI).
Key facts
- This is highlighted by one report earlier this year which said Japan faced a shortfall, external of almost 800,000 IT professionals by 2030
- Many companies are also said to struggle with out-of-date computer systems, with around 60% more than 20-years-old
- Japan's Ministry of Finance says that AI adoption by businesses has already increased substantially, external with 75% of companies now using the technology, up from 11% five years ago
- Parrisa Haghirian, professor of international management at the Kyoto University of Advanced Science, agrees that many Japanese companies are too risk adverse to look at AI
Summary
Japan's response to AI is beginning to resemble one of the country's slow-moving, traditional Noh plays. All the masked characters up on stage agree that action is urgent, and the call is repeated with solemn agreement. Great for heightening drama, terrible for addressing the country's immediate difficulties. Data showing the use of AI in the workplace suggests that Japan has fallen behind.