Automated Driving-related IT Human Resources Strategy Compiled

1. Background

While the acronym CASE (Connectivity, Autonomous, Shared & Service, and Electric) is attracting attention as the key in the automotive industry, needs for IT human resources (human resources engaging in the development of automobile software) are becoming diversified, broadly covering AI, information and security systems, not limited to control systems. Therefore, the Connected Industries Automated Driving Subcommittee set up the Human Resources Strategy Working Group on October 2, 2018, with the aim of finding, fostering and securing IT human resources who can lead automotive engineering and software engineering. The Working Group shared information such as the progress of the initiatives by the government, industry and academia, and measures concerning the fostering and securing of IT human resources having been taken by domestic and foreign automobile companies and by domestic companies in other industries, and deliberated how to create a human resource development and evaluation mechanism that is attractive to IT human resources. As a result, the Working Group compiled the Automated Driving-related IT Human Resources Strategy to show the future direction of relevant initiatives, and established the “Skill Standards for Automated-driving Software Development” (hereinafter referred to as the “Skill Standards” ) and prepared the “Collected Examples of the Use of the Skill Standards” as an infrastructure for the government, industry, and academia to endeavor to foster and secure human resources while sharing awareness of the required skills.

2. Content of the compilation

The Automated Driving-related IT Human Resources Strategy stipulates that the automotive industry should expand various events, like the Japan Automotive AI Challenge (hosted by the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan, Inc.), that may attract students majoring in IT and leading human resources in other industries for the purpose of picking out and fostering leading human resources (well-versed in AI, etc.). Additionally, the strategy clarifies the plan to facilitate the development of lectures and teaching materials to be used at universities and in the private sector based on the Skill Standards, with the aim of creating a human resources eco-system combining the automotive industry and IT. Furthermore, METI will support efforts for the globalization of the network to foster and secure human resources such as through participation in Job Fairs in India and other countries and offering of lectures at foreign universities.

3. Related websites (URL)

• Japan Automotive AI Challenge (in Japanese)
• Compilation of outcomes of the Human Resources Strategy Working Group

Division in Charge

ITS and Autonomous Driving Promotion Office, Automobile Division, Manufacturing Industries Bureau