#Japan #Shimonoseki #DX Project #Foval

Foval and the Digital Transformation Support Initiative in Shimonoseki

Introduction

Foval Inc., headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, under the leadership of President Masanori Nakajima, has recently announced its contract to implement Shimonoseki City’s “Fiscal Year 2023 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises DX Support Initiative.” This initiative marks a significant step for both Foval and the city in promoting digital transformation, particularly aimed at aiding local SMEs.

Background and Objectives of the Project

The backdrop of this initiative lies in the rapidly changing socio-economic landscape where leveraging digital technologies, including ICT and AI, has become vital for improving productivity and creating new value. Particularly alarming is the shortage of manpower affecting many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Japan, warranting urgent attention to drive efficiency and enhance competitiveness through digital transformation (DX).

Shimonoseki City itself confronts several structural challenges, including a declining working-age population, an aging workforce, and a tendency for operations to become too reliant on individual employees and paper-based processes. These challenges underscore the city’s urgent need for DX initiatives. However, as business conditions and digital utilization vary widely across sectors, the project aims to deliver tailored support that reflects the specific realities of individual companies.

Foval’s approach through this initiative will support each business's unique situation, making it easier for them to embark on their digital transformation journeys. By doing this, the project aims to enhance operational efficiency, address labor shortages, and create new added value. Moreover, Foval seeks to foster model cases that can be replicated across businesses within the city to boost overall awareness and facilitate effective digital transformation support.

Specific Initiatives by Foval

Foval's strategies encompass creating a sustainable foundation for DX within the companies involved, while also aiming to elevate the overall digital transformation and consciousness across the local business landscape. Through ongoing, hands-on support, the project intends to provide the necessary training and resources for SMEs to harness digital technologies effectively.

Comments from the Shimonoseki City Industrial Promotion Division

Officials from the city have highlighted that local SMEs face pressing operational challenges, particularly in addressing severe workforce shortages. They emphasize the importance of utilizing digital technologies to improve efficiency, elevate productivity, and create additional value through new ventures or expansions. The city expresses hopeful anticipation for this initiative, which involves proactive approaches to knowledge acquisition regarding DX and sustained human support for ongoing projects that can transform the digital landscape of Shimonoseki.

About Foval Inc.

Foval Inc. (TSE Standard: 8275) specializes in providing consulting services tailored for small and medium-sized businesses. The company offers a broad range of management support services aimed at five key areas: information communication, international business, environmental initiatives, human capital and education, and business succession. Through their unique “Corporate Doctor” model, Foval provides comprehensive services from visualizing management challenges to proffering improvement recommendations and executing support plans, contributing to enhancing enterprise value in areas like ESG management and promoting DX.

Additionally, under its regional revitalization strategy, the “F-Japan Concept,” Foval is committed to establishing collaborative frameworks with local governments, private enterprises, educational institutions, and financial organizations to foster community-driven initiatives.

Company Overview

• - Company Name: Foval Inc.
• - Representative: President Masanori Nakajima
• - Establishment: September 18, 1980
• - Location: 14th Floor, Aoyama Oval Building, 5-52-2 Jinguumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

For more information, please visit Foval’s official website.