The national efforts for the ITS research and development which started in 1970 has been fostered since the latter 1980s with the advanced technology development as a backbone. Implementation of VICS which accommodates the user's needs is also an evidence of progress in ITS development. The substantial progress achieved in various projects such as AHS and ETC ensures the participation of industries. Aggressive international partnership is critically important to continue fostering ITS activities.
Road transportation plays a critical role in society and the economy.
The leading-edge technology involved in ITS promises a significant improvement in quality of road transportation. ITS is expected to contribute greatly as a key solution to these traffic problems. The estimated ITS market will grow up to Y 50 trillion over the next 20 years. In Japan the budget for ITS projects had been small in amount and size until 1995. The Government established the Advanced Information and Telecommunication Society Headquarters in August 1994, which is headed by the Prime Minister to give the necessary guidance for ensuring the real world implementation of the advanced information society.