Message from General Manager of R&D Unit

The Sumitomo Electric Group’s R&D Unit is working to develop innovative technologies that contribute to solving social issues, focusing on the three key areas of Energy, Infocommunications, and Mobility as outlined in the Sumitomo Electric Group 2030 Vision. 

In the Energy area, with a view to making renewable energy the major power source, we are promoting the development of next-generation ultra-high-voltage direct-current power cable systems. By realizing a highly efficient, long-distance, high-capacity, low-loss power transmission network, we will contribute to building the foundation for a decarbonized society.

In the Infocommunications area, we are working to enhance the performance of ultra-multifiber optical cables for data centers and compound semiconductor devices. Furthermore, through our Group’s proprietary opto-electronic integration technology, which enables the close coupling of optical and electronic components, we will contribute to faster, lower-latency, higher-capacity, and more energy-efficient data transmission, thereby supporting the evolution of the digital society.

In the Mobility area, as vehicles become increasingly electrified and connected to energy and communication infrastructure, we are developing next-generation wiring harnesses, along with materials, devices, and systems to address cybersecurity and noise challenges, contributing to a safe and comfortable society.

With a view toward the future of society in 2050, we are also advancing medium- to long-term research themes centered on the keywords “Earth,” “Human,” and “Life.” One key focus is the realization of a hydrogen society. Leveraging our expertise in materials and system design for flow batteries, we are working to apply these technologies to high-efficiency hydrogen production. In addition, we are developing carbon recycling technologies that combine captured CO₂ with hydrogen to convert them into valuable resources. Through these efforts, we aim to contribute to a circular economy by addressing both energy creation and material recycling.

At Sumitomo Electric, R&D must serve the growth of both our business and society. This reflects the philosophy enshrined in the Sumitomo Spirit, which holds that “Sumitomo’s business must benefit not only Sumitomo but also the nation and society in general.” 

In today’s rapidly changing world, the speed of R&D and the ability to translate ideas into reality are key to competitiveness. The Sumitomo Electric Group is advancing and streamlining its R&D processes using AI and digital transformation (DX), leveraging cutting-edge data technologies to enhance the accuracy and speed of material search, simulation, and evaluation, thereby shortening development cycles and increasing success rates.

AI and DX are powerful tools, but they are not ends in themselves. Technology only has meaning when it enters the market as a product, delivers value to customers, and establishes itself as a viable business. The essence of the Sumitomo Electric Group’s R&D lies in technology development integrated with manufacturing, rooted in the customer’s perspective.  

I expect our researchers not only to pursue advanced technologies, but also to engage deeply in production technology design—exploring the equipment and processes required to bring innovations into practical use. During my time as a researcher, I encountered many challenges. Each time I returned to the front lines and relearned through dialogue with our customers. My belief that technology only has value when it is put to use stems from these experiences. 

R&D does not always proceed smoothly, but I encourage our researchers to take on challenges without fear of failure. At the same time, to translate these efforts into business outcomes, management must take a broad view of the market, competing technologies, and the entire supply chain, and make comprehensive decisions on how to proceed with R&D. I believe that striking a balance between on-the-ground challenges and sound management is essential for sustained growth.

R&D is now evolving in an era of cross-border collaboration and competition. Our Group is expanding its global expertise and network by dispatching researchers to overseas research institutions and strengthening its research and marketing bases in Silicon Valley and Germany. Through these initiatives, we are building a framework that enables us to take on new research themes ahead of our competitors and develop technologies that can compete in the global market. We encourage our researchers to actively embrace challenges both in Japan and abroad, expand their networks, and continue to refine their expertise. The Sumitomo Electric Group will remain an organization that supports such endeavors. 

We will continue to lead the way into the future by creating customer value through R&D integrated with manufacturing.