NTT DOCOMO and Accenture have said they will put formal focus on so-called Web3 solutions, based on blockchain technology, to “solve social issues”. The pair said they will “address technology challenges and train talent” in the Web3 field in pursuit of social good. So said a press statement; they sketched, in a few sentences, a vision for a “new digital economy with a greater social impact than conventional economies”.
Japan-based NTT DOCOMO will bring know-how in telecoms networks and “digital services”, it said – as well as “experience working on society-wide issues”. Accenture will build an “operational foundation” for their Web3 adventures, it said – with a view to “future global expansion”. Its work on regional development projects, including with Aizu Wakamatsu City in Fukushima, was cited.
The scope of work includes development of Web3 case studies to address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics, as well as the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs). It also includes the build of a Web3 tech platform, to be managed by Accenture, to enable new products, services, and community building, they said. The companies will also provide training courses in the Web3 field, including for engineers and business leaders.
The statement said: “Web3 is already being used in Japan to provide valuable solutions for society… It is being used to help companies and governments streamline the carbon credit markets as a way to address climate change. The ultimate goal of the collaboration between NTT DOCOMO and Accenture is to facilitate the adoption of Web3 globally – enabling everyone to enjoy its advantages and benefits – while positioning Japan as a leading Web3 market.”
Motoyuki Ii, president at NTT DOCOMO, said: “Web3 is the most impactful technological development since the internet. [We] will revolutionize social infrastructure by utilizing blockchain and building a safe and secure Web3 environment. We will build an environment where the power of creators and developers can come together. We are glad to be promoting the Japan-developed Web3, and we welcome individuals and companies to join us.”
Atsushi Egawa, senior managing director for Accenture in Japan, said: “Our collaboration… is designed to create an industry platform leveraging blockchain and other digital technologies… to help clients [with]… issues related to sustainability, inclusion, diversity, and exceptional experiences. We will help accelerate adoption of Web3 by leveraging expertise in regional development through collaborations with stakeholders from industry, government, and academia.”
