Digital Transformation in Saitama: A Collaborate Success
In a groundbreaking initiative, Lotsful, a freelance matching service by Persol Innovation, has successfully integrated five digital specialists into Saitama Prefecture's digital transformation (DX) project. Established with the vision of "working and smiling together," Lotsful aims to connect skilled professionals with municipal projects - and this latest partnership has proven to be a significant step forward for the public sector in Japan.
The project, supported by the Cabinet Secretariat’s Digital Rural City Concept Implementation Secretariat, runs from April 2024 to March 2025 and focuses on the effective use of digital tools to enhance administrative processes and public services in Saitama.
Objectives and Structure of the DX Project
Saitama Prefecture is on a mission to implement its "Saitama Prefecture Digital Transformation Promotion Plan," which outlines a multi-step approach to achieving digital success. This involves three critical phases: digitization, digitalization, and DX—ensuring that all employees work collectively towards this objective. The main theme for the 2024 project revolves around reforming business processes with digital technologies and improving services for residents.
The inclusion of freelance digital talent serves as a pivotal asset in this endeavor. The focus has been to streamline operations through no-code tools and generative AI, thereby enhancing efficiencies and improving service convenience for the citizens of Saitama. The five professionals selected from Lotsful bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, aiding the prefecture in planning, breaking down workflows, identifying digital tasks, and introducing innovative solutions.
By offering bespoke advice and ongoing support, these digital specialists have enabled Saitama's administrative body to effectively realize their goals for TX (Task Transformation), which aims at reallocating human resources towards more creative and impactful roles.
Future Collaboration and Continued Support
Looking ahead to the fiscal year 2025, Lotsful is committed to continuing its partnership with Saitama Prefecture in enhancing the DX initiative. Their collaboration aims to further the success of digital implementation, ensuring the community benefits from improved public services. Lotsful’s strategy also extends to other municipalities, with similar projects executed in locations such as Nagahama City and Kyoto City, showcasing the positive impact of these freelance collaborations on regional governance.
Lotsful: A System Designed for Successful Partnerships
Lotsful has been at the forefront of addressing regional challenges by supplying skilled professionals to various local governments. Their model is built on a robust understanding of external talent utilization, leveraging their past experiences to assist municipalities in resolving manpower shortages and stimulating local economies. With over 1,700 companies utilizing their service and more than 40,000 projects supported, Lotsful has established itself as a leader in the freelance matching landscape in Japan.
The success of the current initiative underscores Lotsful’s expertise in matching digital experts with local government needs while continuously promoting the benefits of freelancing both to individuals and companies.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Lotsful and Saitama Prefecture exemplifies how public administration can significantly benefit from the inclusion of external digital talents. As Japan continues its march towards digitalization, partnerships like this not only enhance operational capabilities but also lead to a more engaged and satisfied citizenry. As such projects develop, they will serve as far-reaching precedents for how municipalities can leverage freelance expertise in their digital journeys.