FORVAL Secures Support Project for Advanced Digital Talent Development in Kagoshima Prefecture

In a significant move towards enhancing digital capabilities, FORVAL, a consultancy firm based in Shibuya, Tokyo, has been selected by Kagoshima Prefecture to lead the "Advanced Digital Talent Development Support Project" for the fiscal year 2025. This initiative aims to address the pressing needs of local businesses facing challenges in adopting digital technologies amidst evolving market dynamics.

Background and Purpose of the Initiative

Kagoshima Prefecture is home to a diversity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are deeply rooted in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and food processing. Many of these companies find themselves grappling with the question of how to begin their digital transformation journeys. With rising prices and shifts in social structures, the introduction of digital technologies is increasingly critical for sustainable growth and improving productivity.

A survey conducted by the FORVAL GDX Research Institute in early 2024 revealed that while approximately 80% of businesses are interested in digital transformation (DX), only about 30% have started implementing it. Notably, around 70% of respondents indicated a lack of in-house DX talent, underscoring a significant skill gap in the region. This trend aligns with national surveys published by the Information-Technology Promotion Agency (IPA) and the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency, which highlight similar challenges at a broader level.

Given this backdrop, the project will provide targeted training and consulting opportunities for IT professionals. The curriculum will cover advanced technologies such as AI and data science, alongside practical training in consulting skills, allowing participants to effectively engage with local companies and drive improvements in their digital practices.

Project Structure

The program will be organized around two main components aimed explicitly at IT professionals in Kagoshima:

1. Advanced Digital Technology Course (4 Sessions)
Content: This course will comprehensively cover cutting-edge technologies including AI, generative AI, and efficiency-enhancing tools, delivered through lectures and workshop formats.
Feature: Skills will be acquired progressively from beginner to advanced levels, ensuring that the knowledge gained is directly applicable in real-world scenarios.

2. IT Consulting Skills Course (3 Sessions) and Fieldwork
Content: Participants will undergo three sessions focused on IT consulting techniques, followed by practical fieldwork where they will be divided into three groups to visit local SMEs. They will listen to on-site challenges and develop IT-driven solutions.
Outcome: The final session will feature a "Proposal Presentation Day," where participants will receive feedback from industry experts and local businesses, helping them acquire actionable, effective consulting skills.

This initiative aims not just to impart knowledge but to build trust with local enterprises, fostering sustainable support systems that will endure beyond the life of the project. Ultimately, the goal is to lay the groundwork for a self-sustaining DX support network in Kagoshima, which will contribute to a stronger regional economy.

About FORVAL

Founded in 1980, FORVAL is a forward-thinking consulting firm dedicated to supporting SMEs in their digital transformation journeys. With a capital of approximately 4.1 billion yen and a diverse portfolio focusing on information and communications, overseas expansion, environment, education, and business succession, FORVAL stands at the forefront of the movement towards effective ESG management. The firm actively collaborates with local governments, private companies, educational institutions, and financial organizations to cultivate a new generation of DX professionals, thus stimulating local economies and fostering a cycle of sustainable development throughout Japan.

Company Overview

- Company Name: FORVAL, Inc.
- Representative: President Masanori Nakashima
- Established: September 18, 1980
- Location: 14th Floor, Aoyama Oval Building, 5-52-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

For more details, please visit [FORVAL's official website].