#Japan #DX Support #Fukushima #Foval

Foval Partners with Fukushima City for Regional Revitalization

Foval, headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, has recently entered into a dispatch agreement with Fukushima City utilizing the "Regional Revitalization Entrepreneur" system. This initiative aims to deploy Foval employees to Fukushima City to enhance the promotion of Digital Transformation (DX), revive local industries, and foster human resource development within the region.

The cooperation between Foval and Fukushima City arises from the pressing needs identified in the area. Local enterprises face significant challenges such as expanding sales, securing profits, workforce development, and adjusting prices. Addressing these issues is crucial for the sustainable advancement of the local economy. Leveraging the experience and knowledge obtained from supporting DX initiatives across 23 municipalities and providing tailored assistance to approximately 48,000 small and medium-sized enterprises nationwide, Foval is positioned to effectively assist in these collective endeavors.

The agreement with Fukushima City will not only focus on facilitating DX and nurturing talent but also aim to enhance the "earning power" of local businesses. It seeks to resolve challenges faced by the community and invigorate the regional economy. Furthermore, Foval will promote productivity improvements and strengthen management capabilities through the application of digital technology, supporting sustainable growth for local companies.

Foval and Fukushima City are committed to building a sustainable community and fostering economic growth. Through this partnership, they will provide tailored support for local enterprises and promote their growth to further stimulate and enhance the overall development of Fukushima City.

Initiatives Undertaken by Foval's Dispatched Employees

As part of the collaboration, Foval's dispatched personnel will be involved in several key activities:

1. Support for DX Promotion within Local Businesses
a. Cultivating a reform-minded culture
b. Conducting interviews to visualize operations at businesses
c. Proposing solutions to identified challenges
d. Implementing necessary support for these solutions
e. Evaluating the effectiveness of implemented solutions
f. Assisting in the development of the workforce capable of promoting DX internally

2. DX Advancement at Fukushima City Hall
a. Enhancing awareness of DX within the municipal government (e.g., sharing case studies)
b. Supporting internal DX initiatives

3. Annual Reporting and Outcomes
Dispatched employees will provide a report at year-end detailing their accomplishments and will also present results from the businesses supported.

4. Other Support
Additional assistance related to DX initiatives will be provided based on requests from local personnel.

Comments from Officials

Fukushima City Mayor, Yuki Baba, expressed, "It is truly reassuring to have Foval dispatch experts well-versed in the digital field. We anticipate that Foval's wealth of experience in supporting SMEs and digitalization will strengthen both regional and municipal DX efforts."

Foval Executive Officer and Head of Hokkaido-Tohoku Company, Isamu Saito, commented, "We are honored to form this dispatch agreement with Fukushima City. As the environment surrounding local businesses changes drastically, visualizing management challenges and providing ongoing support as 'corporate doctors' has become increasingly vital. Foval will leverage its accumulated experience and expertise to contribute to the sustainable creation of regions and the revitalization of industries in Fukushima City."

About Foval

Foval (TSE Standard: 8275) specializes in providing tailored consulting for small and micro businesses, with primary operations spanning five key areas: information and communications, international business, environment, human resource development, and entrepreneurial support/consolidation. The company employs a unique "corporate doctor" model to offer comprehensive support from making management issues visible to providing improvement proposals and execution assistance. This ultimately enhances corporate value, supporting strategies aligned with ESG, human capital management, and DX/GX promotion.

Additionally, Foval advocates for local revitalization strategies under the "F-Japan Concept," promoting collaborative models through partnerships with local governments, private enterprises, educational institutions, and financial organizations.

Company Overview

• - Company Name: Foval Inc.
• - CEO: Masanori Nakashima
• - Established: September 18, 1980
• - Location: 14th Floor, Aoyama Oval Building, 5-52-2 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

For more details, please visit our website.