#Japan #Digital Transformation #Tokyo #Local Government #GDX

GDX's Initiative: Free Survey Service for Local Governments

In an era where digital transformation (DX) is crucial for organizational efficiency, the General Association for Local Government DX Promotion (GDX) has launched an innovative service that aims to address the disconnect often faced by local governments in Japan. This initiative, known as the Internal DX Awareness and Reality Survey Service, is designed to provide local governments with a comprehensive evaluation of their digital transformation efforts.

Understanding the Challenge

Despite the introduction of new systems and extensive training programs, many local governments struggle with implementing effective DX strategies. A prevalent issue is the disparity in understanding and expectations between management teams and frontline staff. Management often wonders why employees are resistant to using new tools despite having received training. For instance, management remarks, "The plan is flawless; why aren’t the staff engaging with the tools?" Meanwhile, frontline employees express different concerns, stating, "I'm overwhelmed with regular tasks and don’t have the bandwidth to learn something new," or "I don’t even know who to ask for help."

This disconnect highlights a fundamental issue: the greatest barriers to successful DX are often not technological or systemic but lie within the organization’s culture and communication. Simply throwing money at expensive systems or standard training programs without addressing these underlying factors can lead to wasted budgets and demotivated staff.

A Systematic Approach to Measurement

To tackle this issue, the Internal DX Awareness and Reality Survey Service provides a structured approach to evaluate the current state of DX initiatives within local governments. This web survey touches upon various aspects — not only tool usage but also understanding of DX concepts, psychological barriers, organizational climate, and assessments of the DX promotion framework.

Benefits of the Survey Service

The benefits of utilizing this survey are manifold:
1. Quantifying Awareness Gaps: The service allows for the identification of differences in awareness and recognition of challenges across various departments, whether it be management, DX promotion teams, or staff members.
2. Identifying True Bottlenecks: Whether the slow progress in DX is due to skill deficits, lack of time, or trust issues with the promotion framework, specific bottlenecks unique to the organization can be revealed.
3. Data-Driven Action Plans: With the insights gained from the survey, local governments can create actionable plans that focus on targeted training, establishing supportive structures, and revising operational processes to enhance DX efforts.

Case Example: City A in Tohoku Region

One striking case involved City A in the Tohoku region. Despite having a DX plan, the city struggled to show tangible progress. After conducting the survey, it was discovered that a staggering 84% of employees felt that DX was not advancing. This revelation prompted management to reevaluate their understanding of frontline challenges, leading to a shift from generic training to developing more tailored support systems.

Invitation for Consultation

Local governments facing challenges such as low system utilization rates, ineffective training programs, or uncertainty about future DX initiatives are encouraged to participate in free online consultations offered by GDX. These sessions aim to assess current conditions and offer solutions drawing from data-driven insights and successful examples from other municipalities.

To learn more about the Internal DX Awareness and Reality Survey Service or to schedule a consultation, please reach out to the GDX office via their official contact methods:

• - Phone: 03-6683-0106
• - Email: [email protected]
• - Website: GDX Contact Page

GDX remains committed to fostering sustainable development within communities through effective digital transformation, serving as a bridge between local governments and businesses to accelerate local revitalization.