Circulation Awarded Project to Promote DX in Yamagata Prefecture

Circulation's Initiative to Promote Digital Transformation in Yamagata

Circulation, a Tokyo-based company specializing in pro-sharing, has recently been awarded a project to enhance digital transformation (DX) capabilities across all 35 municipalities in Yamagata Prefecture. Working alongside the 77 Research and Consulting Inc., the company aims to address various regional issues through a consulting approach that leverages the expertise and knowledge of over 30,000 professionals.

Objectives and Strategies

The project, formally known as the "DX Promotion Framework Establishment Project for Prefectures and Municipalities," will provide cooperative support for projects initiated by the local government. This initiative marks a pivotal step towards building a sustainable DX support framework in collaboration with municipal governments.

Key Areas of Focus

1. Collaborative Support for Municipal Initiatives: Circulation will assist in the implementation of electronic contract systems and initiate wide-area DX support, drawing from its extensive experience with municipalities across Japan. They aim to design communication channels among stakeholders while considering the varied scales, systems, and maturation levels of the municipalities involved.

2. Operation of a DX Consultation Desk: This will be tailored to meet the diverse needs of each municipality. Professional resources will be assigned based on the specific challenges presented, providing direct support in areas such as paperless operations, business process reengineering (BPR), the integration of generative AI, security measures, and the cultivation of DX talent.

3. Building a DX Promotion Framework: The initiative will empirically test necessary governance and cost-sharing rules for collaborations between multiple municipalities. Additionally, it will create a structured approach to secure, deploy, evaluate, and foster digital talent, ultimately preparing action plans for comprehensive implementation post-2026.

Encouraging Sustainable Digital Transformation

The Yamagata Prefectural government has emphasized the need for advanced strategic frameworks to apply digital technologies effectively to overcome various local challenges. The recently crafted "Yamagata Citizens Happiness DX Vision" sees a significant focus on the implementation phase, aiming for practical and lasting solutions that embody the region's continuous transformation.

Nobuhiro Kasashima, the head of the DX Promotion Division at Yamagata Prefecture, expressed the intent behind the initiative: "We strive to create a sustainable society where every citizen can experience happiness through the effective implementation of digital transformation. This project represents one of the key symbolic initiatives aimed at promoting regional DX through collaboration between prefectures and municipalities."

Vision for Future Success

Fukuda Yu, the president of Circulation, acknowledged the project's significance, expressing the company's commitment to fostering a shared model of pro-sharing within the public sector that can subsequently inform other municipalities across the nation. By leveraging the strengths of both Circulation and the 77 Research and Consulting, the initiative aims to ensure the equitable and effective application of digital resources and professional expertise across Yamagata.

The project's success will serve as a replicable model for other local governments facing similar challenges, thus contributing to the broader goal of enhancing citizen services and operational efficiency throughout Japan.

Moving Forward

As part of its mission, Circulation remains dedicated to promoting regional industry revitalization through the combined efforts of professional talent and localized insights. With ongoing collaboration and a focus on tailored support, Yamagata is set to lead the way in proactive digital transformation efforts across municipal landscapes. For those interested in further information regarding this initiative, inquiries can be directed to the provided contacts for Circulation and the Yamagata Prefectural government.