Samsung Electronics Co. recently established a new semiconductor and display research center in Japan, combining existing research and development institutes into one, in an apparent effort to speed up cooperation with Japanese companies amid signs that relations between South Korea and Japan are improving.

According to a source in business circles, the South Korean tech giant recently restructured its Device Solutions-related R&D facilities in Yokohama and Osaka to launch an enlarged research center in Japan, dubbed DSRJ. The new center is based in Samsung Yokohama Research Institute.

Samsung Electronics is already operating an integrated research center for its Device eXperience division under the name of Samsung Research Japan.

For the newly established DSRJ, Samsung Electronics plans to hire local talent in Japan, rather than sending domestic researchers. The establishment of DSRJ can be seen as an attempt by the tech giant to find future growth engines based on Japan‘s cutting-edge technology and manpower.

Japan’s importance in reorganizing the global semiconductor supply chain also seems to have affected the move.

“In the past, there was a perception that we have nothing more to learn from Japan, but Japan is still at the forefront in advanced technology,” an official from the business circle said. “Samsung Electronics’ new integrated R&D center in Japan may signal the company’s intention to restore its link with Japan.”

Meanwhile, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will visit Japan on Thursday to hold a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

By Choi Seung-jin, Lee Sae-ha, Park In-hye, and Yoon Yeon-hae

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]