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During the follow-up to the ICS trip to Japan in June, Regional Councillor Willibald Ehrenhöfer and the Vice Presidents of the Styrian Economic Chamber (WKO Steiermark), Gabi Lechner and Herbert Ritter, met in early September with the travel participants, representatives of Japanese subsidiaries in Styria, and business operators interested in Japan for a debriefing and to discuss further concrete steps. Led by ICS Director Karl Hartleb, Hugo Karre from TDK, Rosmarie Fujiko Netzer, Head of the Far East Department at ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA and responsible for the Road to Expo Japan program of the WKÖ and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy and Tourism, and Michael Laschan, entrepreneur and former Head of the Asia Department at the Austrian Ministry of Economic Affairs, discussed the Japan of today and tomorrow at Rabenstein Castle, which itself has a strong connection to Japan.
Conclusion
Japan remains one of the technology leaders, but competition with the People’s Republic of China is becoming increasingly fierce. This is reflected in Japan’s attempt to network more strongly within the region, which is not easy given historical burdens. However, progress is being made, particularly with Taiwan in the semiconductor sector, as well as with Korea and India. The relationship with the USA is becoming increasingly difficult, which strengthens Japanese interest in Europe, also with regard to potential investments and acquisitions. The relationship with Austria has broadened and deepened in recent years, with the Austrian technology base in particular piquing Japanese interest. Joint R&D calls from the FFG Austrian Research Promotion Agency support this mutual interest. Japan remains an intercultural and linguistic challenge; building relationships—which is absolutely necessary—is a lengthy process. Despite the hierarchical structure, decisions are made by consensus, which takes time but then allows for very rapid implementation. When successful, relationships with Japanese business partners are very stable; however, it is important to stay in close contact and listen to the nuances, as problems are generally not communicated openly.
Facts
Styria is currently responsible for more than a third of Austrian exports to Japan, totaling around EUR 1.5 billion; the focus here is on vehicles and automotive technology, mechanical engineering, and testing and measuring equipment.
