#Japan #Shibuya #FORVAL #DX Promotion #Chowa Giken

Forval and Chowa Giken: A Strategic Alliance for Digital Transformation

In a landmark move towards enhancing digital capabilities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and local governments, Forval, headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, has officially entered into a partnership with Chowa Giken, based in Sapporo, Hokkaido. This collaboration focuses on the robust advancement of Digital Transformation (DX) and Automation Experience (AX), targeting meaningful local revitalization efforts.

Background of the Partnership

The integration of generative AI in corporate settings is evolving beyond a mere trend; it is becoming imperative for maintaining competitive advantages and sustaining growth. Many SMEs and local governments, however, face significant hurdles, such as a lack of specialized personnel capable of leading AI initiatives or the absence of a practical roadmap for implementation. This often results in delayed or unsuccessful AI adoption.

To effectively promote AX, it is essential not only to enhance the technical infrastructure and tools but also to uplift the digital literacy and skillset of personnel, transform organizational culture, and reform management perspectives.

In light of these challenges, Forval's extensive experience in providing client-centric consulting services to SMEs and Chowa Giken's deep academic knowledge and implementation capabilities in cutting-edge AI technology come together, creating a synergy that effectively addresses the diverse operational challenges faced by these entities.

Details of the Collaboration

The partnership will focus on several key collaborative areas:

1. Joint Development of AI Products and Services for SMEs
Working closely, both firms will customize AI models based on real-time challenges faced by SMEs, establishing practical AI solutions and exploring the synergy of Forval's management support platform with Chowa Giken’s advanced AI technologies.

2. Collaborative Efforts in Local Government Projects
The partnership aims to fuse resources to develop joint proposals that will contribute to local revitalization and the promotion of DX in municipalities.

3. Enhancing AI Literacy through Training
Programs that will foster the necessary skills for personnel to effectively manage and apply AI technologies will be established, targeting employees of Forval and its client SMEs and local governments.

4. Knowledge Sharing for Service Advancement
By integrating Forval's supportive consulting knowledge with Chowa Giken's comprehensive AI implementation expertise across multiple domains—be it language, image, or numerical data—the companies intend to construct a next-generation support model that spans from strategic planning to cultural integration in the workplace.

About Chowa Giken

Chowa Giken is acknowledged as an AI venture certified by Hokkaido University, leveraging its strong research skills to offer customized AI models and support for various industries, including manufacturing, distribution, construction, and IT/communications. With a track record of over 170 AI solution implementations, the company excels in automating and enhancing complex business processes, significantly improving client productivity and facilitating new business development initiatives. Recently, Chowa Giken has also intensified efforts in consulting and AI personnel training while actively supporting local environments in large-language model (LLM) utilization and practical AI deployment across municipalities, private enterprises, and educational institutions.

Company Overview

• - Name: Chowa Giken, Inc.
• - CEO: Takuya Nakamura
• - Headquarters: 324-2 902, Minami 2 Jo Nishi 12 Chome, Chuo Ward, Sapporo
• - Tokyo Office: 301, ACN Nihonbashi Hamacho Building, 2-1-10 Nihonbashi Hamacho, Chuo Ward, Tokyo
• - Website: Chowa Giken

About Forval

Forval (TSE Standard: 8275) primarily provides consulting services aiming at small to medium-sized enterprises. Its core business encompasses five areas: information and communication technology, international business, environmental management, human resources and education, as well as entrepreneurship and business succession. Through its unique ‘Corporate Doctor’ model, Forval offers comprehensive support that covers everything from visualizing management challenges to implementing effective solutions. They are also dedicated to enhancing company value through sustainable management practices, including ESG management, human capital management, and DX/GX promotion.

Moreover, Forval actively pursues regional co-creation models under the regional revitalization strategy known as the F-Japan Initiative, collaborating with municipalities, private enterprises, educational institutions, and financial entities.

Company Overview

• - Name: Forval, Inc.
• - CEO: Masanori Nakajima
• - Established: September 18, 1980
• - Headquarters: 14F Aoyama Oval Building, 5-52-2 Jingumae, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo

Through this partnership, Forval and Chowa Giken aim to uplift not only the capabilities of SMEs and local governments but also invigorate the overall productivity and sustainable growth of regional economies in Japan.