As the global digital economy undergoes rapid transformation, the technology partnership between Japan and Vietnam is evolving beyond traditional outsourcing contracts. The year 2026 marks a significant turning point: a transition from the conventional IT outsourcing model to a co-creation model, where companies collaborate more deeply to develop solutions, share innovation capabilities, and create long-term value together.

From Japan ICT Day 2026 to the IT workforce challenge in Japan

Japan ICT Day 2026, held on February 4–5, 2026 in Hanoi, served as an important milestone reflecting the evolving landscape of Vietnam–Japan technology cooperation. The event highlighted a major shift: “From a traditional “delegation or subcontracting model” to a co-creation partnership model”.

Once this concept becomes widely discussed in industry forums and business networks, it quickly evolves into a key criterion for selecting technology partners in real business engagements.

Japan ICT Day, organized annually since 2007, aims to foster technology collaboration between Vietnamese and Japanese enterprises while sharing insights into emerging industry trends.

In 2026, key discussions focused on:

• Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation
• Smart and green manufacturing
• Development of Vietnam–Japan technology talent

Meanwhile, fluctuations in the Japanese yen and the steady rise of IT salaries in Vietnam have narrowed the cost gap. Japanese companies are no longer simply looking for the lowest price—they are increasingly seeking partners who can deliver higher value.

Japan’s Digital Talent Shortage

One of the most frequently cited issues during the event was Japan’s growing shortage of digital talent. According to projections by METI (Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry), Japan could face a shortage of approximately 790,000 IT professionals by 2030, often rounded up in media reports to “around 800,000.”

The original METI report can be referenced here: https://www.meti.go.jp/shingikai/economy/daiyoji_sangyo_skill/pdf/001_s02_00.pdf

Although the forecast is scenario-based and depends on assumptions regarding market growth and productivity, the message remains clear: “The shortage of digital talent is a structural challenge for Japan’s economy.”

As a result, Japanese companies must increasingly rely on external expertise and technology partners, while also redefining the way they collaborate with vendors. Outsourcing is therefore no longer just about hiring developers to write code. Companies now seek partners capable of co-solving transformation challenges, modernizing systems, and creating new business value amid rising legacy risks, cybersecurity concerns, and sustainability pressures.

In summary, Japan’s IT market in 2026 is shaped by several major factors:

• Severe digital talent shortages
• Economic and cost fluctuations
• Pressure for Green Transformation (GX)

For further reading on Japan’s “Digital Cliff” and legacy system challenges: https://dtsvn.com/vach-da-ky-thuat-so-nhat-thach-thuc-chuyen-doi-so-trong-nam-2026/

From a market perspective, when digital transformation is defined as reinventing operational models and building competitive advantage, rather than simply building systems, Japanese companies naturally shift their partner selection criteria from “low cost” to “value creation.” This is where co-creation becomes central.

Co-creation: A Key Strategy in the New Technology Era

At Japan ICT Day 2026, the message was clear: “Technology partnerships must evolve from delegated outsourcing to collaborative innovation.”

Instead of simply executing predefined tasks, partners are increasingly involved in:

• Joint product development
• Shared R&D initiatives
• Open innovation ecosystems
• Exchange of high-level technical talent

This shift also reflects the growing maturity of Vietnamese technology companies as they participate more deeply in Japan’s digital transformation initiatives.

How a Co-creation Partner Differs from Traditional Outsourcing

At the operational level, a co-creation partnership typically differs from traditional outsourcing in three key ways.

1. From Deliverables to Outcomes

Rather than focusing on a predefined feature list, collaboration centers on measurable outcomes, such as:

• Faster time-to-market
• Reduction of technical debt
• Data-driven decision making
• Higher system reliability and security

Without such outcome-driven approaches, projects risk becoming long-term sunk costs.

2. Early Involvement in Solution Design

Co-creation partners participate from the early stages of:

• Problem research
• Solution architecture design
• Data standardization
• Platform development for AI and automation

Traditional outsourcing models often limit partners to executing predefined requirements.

3. Long-term Partnership Investment

Japanese companies place strong emphasis on:

• Stability

• Quality discipline

• Long-term relationships

Given that digital talent shortages will persist for years, longer-term collaboration models—such as joint operations, knowledge transfer, DevSecOps, and FinOps – are becoming more practical than short-term project outsourcing.

AI, Semiconductors, and Green IT: Drivers of the New Collaboration Model

While co-creation defines the partnership model, three major technological trends are reshaping Japanese companies’ expectations:

• Artificial Intelligence

• Semiconductors

• Green IT

AI

Japanese companies are no longer asking simply whether vendors “can develop AI.”
Instead, they are asking:

• How AI improves operations

• Whether AI can be deployed safely and responsibly

METI has already integrated generative AI training into digital skill development programs such as Manabi-DX and Manabi DX Quest, emphasizing AI as a core competency in digital transformation initiatives.

Semiconductors

Japan is actively rebuilding its semiconductor supply chain through large-scale investment and policy initiatives.

The Rapidus project, part of Japan’s “Beyond 2nm” semiconductor strategy, involves collaboration with global research partners such as IBM and imec.

For software companies, the semiconductor industry creates broader opportunities beyond chip manufacturing, including:

• Industrial IoT systems

• Smart manufacturing platforms

• Equipment control software

• Industrial data analytics

These technologies also support rapidly growing sectors such as robotics, AI, and smart mobility.

Green IT

Green IT in Japan goes beyond energy savings. It focuses on designing and operating IT systems that:

• Reduce environmental impact

• Optimize energy efficiency

• Align with corporate social responsibility and ESG frameworks

Sustainability requirements increasingly appear in vendor selection processes, including:

• Supply chain transparency

• Data ethics and compliance

• Cloud infrastructure energy efficiency

• ESG reporting

Strategic Directions for Vietnamese IT Companies Targeting the Japanese Market

As Japan moves toward co-creation partnerships, Vietnamese companies must evolve accordingly—from delivery capability to value creation capability.

Key strategic directions include:

Focus on Customer Pain Points

Opportunities lie in areas such as:

• Legacy modernization

• Hybrid cloud migration

• Data governance platforms

• DevSecOps and system observability

• Cybersecurity

Strengthen Consulting and Research Capabilities

To participate in co-creation models, companies must invest in capabilities often overlooked in traditional outsourcing:

• Product thinking

• Business analysis

• UX design

• Architecture design

• Change management

High-quality communication—especially Japanese language skills and strong documentation practices—also becomes a competitive advantage.

Build Responsible and Measurable AI Capabilities

AI adoption must be supported by:

• Data governance frameworks

• Risk management processes

• MLOps and LLMOps

• Clear ROI measurement

Clients are increasingly interested in business outcomes, not just model accuracy.

Recognize Semiconductors as a Software Ecosystem Opportunity

Japan’s semiconductor investments will create demand for supporting technologies such as:

• Factory automation software

• Industrial data platforms

• Digital twin simulation

• IoT systems

• OT/IT cybersecurity solutions

Turn Green IT and CSR into Demonstrable Capabilities

Japanese clients often ask whether companies follow international guidelines such as ISO 26000.

Since ISO 26000 is a guidance standard rather than a certifiable standard, the key lies in demonstrating real practices and evidence of implementation.

DTS Software Vietnam: From IT Outsourcing Vendor to Co-creation Partner

The transformation of Japan’s outsourcing industry – from cost-focused outsourcing to co-creation partnerships – is reshaping the regional technology value chain.

To succeed in this evolving market, technology companies must combine technical expertise with strategic vision, long-term collaboration capabilities, and responsible development practices.

DTS Software Vietnam is positioning itself accordingly – not only as an IT outsourcing provider connecting Vietnam and Japan, but as a co-creation partner helping Japanese enterprises address technology challenges in the era of AI, semiconductors, and green transformation.

Supporting the Green IT Trend in Japan

As sustainability becomes a strategic priority for Japanese companies, Green IT is driving the restructuring of IT infrastructure, data centers, and software development practices.

DTS Software Vietnam integrates Green IT and ESG principles into its technology development strategy by:

• Designing green software architectures that optimize resource usage

• Modernizing legacy systems to reduce energy consumption

• Applying international frameworks such as ISO 26000 and IWA 48 ESG guidelines

Through this approach, DTSVN contributes to building a sustainable technology ecosystem between Vietnam and Japan.

AI Capabilities in Vietnam – Japan Technology Collaboration

Artificial intelligence is also becoming a major driver of technology cooperation between the two countries.

Demand for AI outsourcing between Vietnam and Japan is increasing as Japanese companies seek to expand AI development capabilities while facing a shortage of technology engineers.

DTS Software Vietnam focuses on strengthening key technological competencies, including:

• AI-driven operational optimization and automation

• Engineering capabilities in AI, data systems, and large-scale platforms

• Project management and quality standards aligned with Japanese business practices

By combining technical expertise with cultural and operational understanding of Japanese companies, DTSVN acts as a bridge within the Vietnam – Japan AI technology ecosystem.

Building Long-term Co-creation Partnerships

In the new era of Japan’s outsourcing industry, value lies not merely in providing programming resources but in co-creating innovative solutions with clients.

DTS Software Vietnam is gradually evolving from a traditional vendor into a strategic co-creation partner by:

• Participating in early technology architecture and consulting stages

• Co-developing tailored solutions for Japanese enterprises

• Building long-term partnerships rather than short-term project engagements

As Japan works to overcome the Digital Cliff and accelerate large-scale digital transformation, Vietnamese technology companies have a significant opportunity to participate more deeply in the regional technology value chain.

With a commitment to sustainable development, advanced technology capabilities, and long-term partnership thinking, DTS Software Vietnam is steadily strengthening its role as a trusted co-creation partner in Japan’s IT outsourcing ecosystem.