Japan’s Cabinet Office approved the Integrated Innovation Strategy in June 2018, identifying quantum technology as a priority area for maintaining and improving world competitiveness. The strategy, adopted under the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation, situated quantum technology alongside photonics as a domain requiring state-of-the-art research and industrial innovation.
The decision built upon the 5th Science and Technology Basic Plan (Society 5.0), approved in January 2016, which emphasized an inclusive, knowledge-intensive society underpinned by digital innovation. By formally naming quantum as a strategic technology area, the 2018 Integrated Innovation Strategy set the policy foundation for subsequent dedicated funding programs, including MEXT’s Q-LEAP initiative launched the same year. The Cabinet Office continued to issue annual updates to the Integrated Innovation Strategy in subsequent years.