Introduction
The adoption of generative AI in local government is rapidly gaining momentum, with over 59% of municipalities already on board according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. However, a significant challenge remains: a lack of skilled personnel to utilize these innovations effectively. To address this issue, Youseful Co., Ltd., led by CEO Rintaro Ogaki, is set to launch a comprehensive training program in October 2025 aimed at equipping local government employees with the necessary skills to leverage generative AI for operational automation.
The Need for Training
The recent “Administrative Digitalization Fact-Finding Survey Report 2025” highlights that 73% of responding municipalities recognize a shortfall in skills and training among their staff as a major barrier to effective generative AI deployment. While the introduction of AI tools is a positive step, the real challenge lies in empowering personnel to adopt and internalize these technologies in their daily workflows.
Youseful's Training Program
Youseful’s initiative includes workshops titled “Practical Workshops on Generative AI Utilization and Process Automation”. These workshops will offer both free and paid versions utilizing Microsoft Copilot to facilitate hands-on learning. The program is designed not only to enhance basic operational skills but also to foster creativity and practical application of AI in streamlining administrative processes.
Workshop Content
Youseful’s training is customizable to meet the specific needs of different organizations. Here’s an overview of some key components:
- - Practical Exercises: Participants will engage in hands-on sessions that explore basic tasks like data analysis and document generation using Copilot Chat, leading to advanced techniques integrating Microsoft 365 tools.
- - Automation Design Skills: Using Copilot Studio Lite, non-engineering staff will learn how to automate workflows. Examples include constructing AI agents for tasks such as meeting minutes documentation and financial analysis.
- - Literacy for Safe AI Use: A critical aspect of the program includes education on security and governance related to AI use. This enables staff to understand what data can be input into AI and how to evaluate the outputs effectively.
Demonstrated Impact of Generative AI
The benefits of generative AI are becoming evident not only in the private sector but also across various municipalities. For instance, a town with a population of approximately 560,000 successfully reduced its administrative workload by around 5,950 hours annually through the use of generative AI for reading applications.
In addition, municipalities are leveraging AI technologies to enhance efficiency in tasks such as meeting minutes, proposal creation, data analysis, and document management. Automated customer support during off-hours via AI chatbots and utilizing AI for childcare selection processes are just a few examples of how these initiatives are improving not only operational efficiencies but also the quality of services offered to residents.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Youseful Co., Ltd. is committed to fostering independent talent capable of driving digital transformation within both municipal governments and businesses. The aim is to firmly establish generative AI as a foundational element for operational transformation, rather than a fleeting trend. Through a triad of education, practical implementation, and internal capacity building, Youseful plans to contribute to enhancing overall productivity and creativity across Japan.
For more information on the training offerings, you can download the comprehensive catalog on digital human resource development. Youseful is dedicated to building a future where local government personnel effectively harness the power of generative AI to optimize their operations and better serve their communities.
Conclusion
The implementation of generative AI in local government signifies a transformative shift towards enhanced efficiency. However, achieving this potential is contingent upon adequately equipping personnel with the right skills and knowledge. Youseful’s training program thus represents an essential step towards realizing the full benefits of AI in public administration, ultimately leading to improved services for all citizens.