Japan’s Sumitomo Rubber Industries and NEC Corporation have signed a MoU to focus on building a next-generation R&D base and creating new business opportunities together. The companies aim to change the traditional R&D model in manufacturing. Their goals are to tackle societal challenges and build new core businesses.
This collaboration builds on past efforts. In 2022, there was a project to digitise the knowledge of experienced tyre designers with artificial intelligence. Companies are now broadening their focus and now want to build a strong global R&D base. This will help tackle labour shortages and speed up tech progress.
The partners will also explore and develop new business opportunities, combining Sumitomo Rubber’s top rubber technologies with NEC’s skills in AI and digital innovation.
By autumn 2025, Sumitomo Rubber and NEC will pick key collaboration themes with a goal to show real results by 2026.
This strategic alliance will help both companies drive digital transformation, to promote quick creation of intellectual property. Also, they aim to build business models that are ready for the future, to tackle industry challenges and larger social issues.