development projects using JGN-X with the aim of establishing base system technologies for new-generation networks through testing and evaluations. NICT will encourage the use of JGN-X as a technology proving ground for new-generation network and other technologies.

## (4) Boosting competitive funding

Competitive funding refers to research and development funds allocated to researchers under a competitive system that solicits a wide range of research and development proposals. Proposals that should be implemented are selected based on assessments by experts and other evaluators.

The Strategic Information and Communications R&D Promotion Programme (SCOPE) is a competitive funding program for research and development projects in the ICT field that MIC implements. Under SCOPE, research and development themes with originality and novelty are undertaken in order to attain the strategic, priority research and development targets set by MIC.

### (5) ICT policy for generating and sustaining innovation a. ICT Innovation Creation Challenge Program

The ICT Innovation Creation Challenge Program (I-Challenge!) was launched in FY 2014 to stimulate made-in-Japan innovation in the ICT field. I-Challenge! is a research and development program, which accepts submissions anytime, that supports new business domain ventures by unifying research and development support and venture incubation support, making use of the private sector's commercialization expertise and know-how.

MIC has also instituted the Innovation Program, which aims to discover creative talent in the ICT field where existing value and accepted practices do not necessary apply. The Program provides assistance to creative people who are taking on risky challenges with great potential and sets ambitious targets. Under the Program, challenges using revolutionary approaches and productive failures that clarify the path to eventual success are highly regarded.

### 3. Contributing to green innovation and life innovation

## (1) ICT research and development and standardization for smart grids

MIC is engaged in research and development and standardization for smart grids from the standpoint of ICT toward the realization of energy management at the regional level. MIC is involved specifically with ICT and other research and development to enable highly accurate, highly reliable optimized control of energy usage in individual buildings. MIC is also active in standardization proposals for smart grid communications architecture at the ITU-U based on the outcomes of this research.

## (2) Research and development into photonic network technology

NICT is researching and developing the base technologies to make possible fast, high-capacity, low-power networks (all-optical networks) with all signal transmissions and conversions done optically.

## (3) Research and development creating innovation using brain mechanisms

MIC and NICT are researching and developing technology that, using brain mechanisms, will communicate, via networks, people's thoughts about the simple movements and emotions needed to perform actions and communicate intentions in daily life to devices that assist mobility and communications. At the same time, MIC and NICT are running social studies on the ethics and safety of this technology.

### 4. Research and development programs promoting international collaborations in the ICT field

## (1) Strategic international joint research in cooperation with foreign governments

MIC, in partnership with the European Commission, supports R&D funding for joint research proposals from universities, private corporations, and other research institutions in Japan and Europe. Since FY 2013, MIC has been sponsoring international joint research in three areas: optical communications, wireless communications, and information security. And since FY 2014, MIC has been sponsoring international joint research in two further areas: big data and optical communications.

## (2) Promoting international research with JGN-X

JGN-X is connected with overseas research institutions in the United States, Asia, and elsewhere to promote global collaborations. JGN-X is also used to promote collaborations in strategic joint international research and demonstration projects.

## (3) Promoting international exchanges between researchers

NICT runs the International Exchange Program, which facilitates exchanges between researchers in different countries working in advanced communications and broadcasting fields. The Program promotes the sharing of the latest technology and research information, elevating technology levels, and developing human resources as well as contributes to furthering research and development and international cooperation.