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Recent Findings from the Second Local Government DX Awareness Survey

The Second Local Government DX Awareness and Actual Condition Survey report has been completed, outlining the current state of digital transformation (DX) efforts among local governments across Japan. Conducted by the Japan Association for Promoting Local Government DX (GDX), the survey results reveal a concerning digital divide, particularly influenced by the size of the municipalities involved. The report has been shared with 435 participating local governments, marking a crucial step in understanding and addressing the challenges of DX implementation.

Background of the Survey

As Japan accelerates its transition into a digital society, local governments face the urgent task of implementing digital transformation to meet the diverse needs of residents and ensure sustainable administrative services. Recognizing this, GDX launched its second nationwide survey to effectively grasp the current status and challenges of local government DX, following its initial survey conducted two years prior.

Key Findings

The survey's findings indicate that while many municipalities are progressing with their DX initiatives, substantial disparities remain based on their sizes. This digital divide underscores the varying levels of readiness and resources available to local governments, complicating their ability to meet modern demands. Moreover, approximately 80% of the respondents identified human resource shortages as a significant barrier to headway in their DX strategies, further highlighting a gap between ambition and reality. Many local governments acknowledge that developing talent is critical to their DX success, yet they continuously encounter obstacles in meeting these resource needs.

Implications for Local Governments

The disparities and challenges presented in the survey underscore the need for tailored approaches to digital transformation across different local governments. Larger municipalities may have more resources at their disposal, enabling them to implement advanced DX strategies effectively. In contrast, smaller municipalities often struggle with limited funding and personnel, which can hinder their ability to embrace digital initiatives fully.

As the digital landscape evolves, local governments must prioritize skills development and invest in training programs that prepare their workforce for the challenges of digital governance. Without addressing these human resource gaps, the goal of effective digital governance will remain elusive for many, particularly those from smaller municipalities.

Upcoming Online Seminar

Further insights and detailed analysis will be shared during the 2025 Online Reporting Session for the Second Local Government DX Awareness Survey, scheduled for August 21, 2025, at 2:00 PM. The seminar will be conducted through ZOOM and is free to attend, with prior registration required. Local government officials and stakeholders in related businesses are encouraged to participate, with a limit of 200 attendees.

To register for the seminar:

• - Online Seminar Registration (Link to Google Form)
• - If the link is inaccessible, please register via email at [email protected] or call 03-6683-0106.

About GDX

The Japan Association for Promoting Local Government DX (GDX) is dedicated to advancing digital transformation among local governments to foster sustainable development in regional communities. By collaborating with local governments, GDX supports the resolution of regional issues and the creation of innovations through digital technologies. It serves as a bridge between local authorities and businesses, initiating partnerships aimed at accelerating rural revitalization through digital transformation.

For inquiries, please contact:

• - GDX Headquarters, Aoyama R Cube, 1-3-1 Kita Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• - Phone: 03-6683-0106
• - Email: [email protected]
• - Website: www.gdx.or.jp