#Japan #Digital Innovation #carbon footprint #Okayama #Okayama University

Okayama University Launches CFP Nexus Working Group

On May 20, 2025, the Okayama University, under the supervision of President Yasuyo Nasu, launched the "CFP Nexus Working Group" (WG) within its "Okayama Digital Innovation Creation Platform (OI-Start)." The kick-off meeting took place at the KIBINOVE Co-Creation Innovation Lab at Okayama University's Tsushima campus, gathering approximately 60 participants from member companies, researchers, students, and financial institutions.

This working group aims to generate new value based on Carbon Footprint (CFP) analysis, a tool essential for navigating the transition to a greener economy known as Green Transformation (GX). The group seeks to foster regular exchanges of ideas and engage in demonstration projects through collaboration among academia, industry, government, and finance, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of regional enterprises.

During the kick-off meeting, representatives from three companies—Bizen Hatsujo Co., CP Kasei Co., and MS&AD InterRisk Research & Consulting—shared real-life examples illustrating the role of CFP as more than just a metric for measuring emissions. They discussed how to leverage this data for B2C domains, its applications in trade shows and negotiations, and scientific approaches to analyzing consumer behavior, ultimately connecting these practices to value creation.

Building on these progressive case studies, the working group is moving into its "next stage." This advancement aims to transcend basic CO2 emission calculations by utilizing CFP data to visualize consumer decision-making processes. There’s also a strong emphasis on automating calculations through AI and IoT and co-creating sustainable business models by collaborating across different industries and sectors. This multi-faceted approach is expected to yield a wealth of innovative solutions.

Okayama University is committed to advancing practical decarbonization initiatives alongside the community by reimagining industrial structures and societal frameworks with a focus on CFP. Stakeholders can look forward to continuing support from this regionally rooted and distinctive research university.

Understanding Carbon Footprint
The Carbon Footprint represents the total greenhouse gas emissions produced throughout the lifecycle of a product or service, from material procurement to waste disposal and recycling. These emissions are expressed in CO2 equivalents, and the figures are documented on product labels or through accompanying systems. Source: Carbon Footprint Guidelines from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ministry of the Environment.

About OI-Start
The Okayama Digital Innovation Creation Platform (OI-Start) is dedicated to fostering innovation primarily using digital technology through collaborations among academia, industry, and government. By nurturing talent who contribute to this innovation while enhancing the productivity and allure of local businesses and encouraging youth retention and circulation within the region, OI-Start plays a vital role in creating a collaborative space that transcends organizational and disciplinary boundaries.

Seeking Collaborative Input
According to the Vice Director of the Center for Co-Creation and Innovation in Research at Okayama University, who also spoke at the meeting, the group is looking forward to special input and contributions from participants to elevate the conversations around value creation rooted in CFP. Furthermore, the discussion included a Q&A session promoting student engagement, directly addressing industry case studies presented. A group photo commemorated this pivotal event, hosted at the KIBINOVE lab—a symbol of innovation in fruition.

Okayama University stands as a beacon for its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth by the United Nations, positioning itself at the core of innovative research that addresses community and global challenges while enhancing the sustainable future of the planet.
As the world shifts towards sustainable practices, initiatives like the CFP Nexus WG reflect a transformative journey towards a resilient and forward-thinking economy.