#Japan #Tokyo #Kyushu #Cocoo #IJGEN Group

Cocoo and IJGEN Group Establish Strategic Partnership to Promote DX in Kyushu

Cocoo Inc., a company dedicated to supporting digital transformation (DX) through human resources and digital initiatives, recently announced its collaboration with IJGEN Group, part of the Nishi-Nihon Financial Holdings. This partnership aims to enhance DX efforts for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Kyushu area, providing one-stop support from strategic planning to operational integration.

Addressing Workforce Shortages in Regional SMEs

In recent years, many regional SMEs have faced a persistent shortage of personnel. Often, these companies recognize the need for DX but struggle due to a lack of qualified digital staff to implement and sustain such initiatives. Under this partnership, IJGEN Group will conduct interviews to identify DX-related challenges and define requirements. Subsequently, Cocoo's "DX Human Resources Services" will manage the implementation and integration of digital initiatives into the workplace. By combining their strengths, the two companies aim to offer comprehensive support for the DX of SMEs in Kyushu, contributing to the sustainable development of the region.

Background of the Collaboration

Cocoo's long-term management plan, dubbed "VISION 2030," emphasizes regional revitalization as a core strategy. In Kyushu, Cocoo operates three offices located in Fukuoka, Kitakyushu, and Kumamoto to address local DX challenges. The proposed model for local revitalization, termed the "Local Digital Talent Utilization Model," focuses on employing locally sourced, inexperienced individuals as full-time employees, thereby nurturing them into capable digital professionals. This initiative aims to establish an ecosystem that facilitates the DX of local enterprises.

However, effectively addressing the diverse management challenges faced by regional businesses and accelerating DX requires partnerships with entities that possess a deep understanding of local economic networks and trust with local enterprises. IJGEN Group's mission is to maximize the potential of individuals, and they have already been supporting local SMEs in the Kyushu area with their DX initiatives. Their alignment with Cocoo's local talent utilization model, combined with IJGEN's strategy planning and consulting expertise alongside Cocoo's operational and human resources training capabilities, has led to the establishment of a localized DX integration framework for the Kyushu region.

Future Aspirations

Cocoo remains committed to deepening partnerships with local businesses, municipalities, and regional banks as it advances towards its goal of opening 30 local branches by 2030.

Details of the Partnership's Initiatives

The collaboration primarily focuses on three areas: "Operational Efficiency," "Information Systems," and "Digital Marketing (DM)." IJGEN Group will spearhead the identification of DX challenges and analyze the current state, while Cocoo will provide hands-on, ongoing support through its skilled digital personnel, ensuring that implementations settle smoothly into everyday operations.

Previously, due to budget and geographical constraints, many local SMEs had to abandon their digital transformation strategies. Cocoo aims to overcome these challenges through its Business Process as a Service (BPaaS), enabling SMEs to invest sensibly while attaining professional operational management.

Furthermore, to solidify the support structure provided by this partnership, Cocoo plans to establish a "BPaaS Center" in the Kyushu area. BPaaS represents a new service model that emphasizes collaborative support, where organizations receive guidance throughout the complete DX implementation process rather than outsourcing their operational needs entirely.

Key Features of Cocoo's BPaaS

1. Digitally-Focused Operational Efficiency: By integrating SaaS tools, RPA, and generative AI, the service automates routine tasks, enhancing productivity in areas that are often neglected due to limited ROI visibility.

2. Hybrid Support Model: Cocoo delivers effective remote support while also providing onsite assistance when challenges demand immediate resolution, ensuring a robust DX integration framework conducive to the unique situations of various SMEs in the area.

3. Retention of In-House Knowledge: The role of the "Process Designer" ensures that the organization retains valuable knowledge while navigating the project's progression without the burden of hiring a dedicated DX professional.

Comments from Leadership

Pond Hirakata, President of IJGEN Group

"IJGEN Group has committed to understanding and supporting regional enterprises in their management challenges, crafting tailored DX strategies. Cocoo's alignment with our principles of nurturing local talent through 'Local Digital Talent' initiatives resonates deeply with us. Together, we firmly believe we can guide Kyushu's SMEs to achieve self-sustaining digital transformation."

Yusuke Irie, CEO of Cocoo

"The Kyushu region holds a special significance for Cocoo as it marked the establishment of our very first local branch in 2023. Forming a partnership with IJGEN Group—one that embodies a profound understanding and trust within the local economy—offers us a fantastic opportunity to accelerate DX initiatives in Kyushu, ultimately contributing to the improvement and revitalization of the local economy."

About the Organizations Involved

IJGEN Group

Founded in October 2020 in Oita Prefecture, IJGEN Group specializes in supporting diverse business, technology, and creative needs. As a member of the Nishi-Nihon Financial Holdings Group since 2022, it combines skilled personnel's diverse backgrounds with deep-seated trust to continue pursuing growth and challenges alongside local residents and businesses.

Website: IJGEN Group

Cocoo

Founded in February 2019, Cocoo is committed to advancing DX support for enterprises and local governments, aiming to create a society where diversity and inclusion are the norm through digital means. With a current workforce where 82% are women, Cocoo successfully integrates diverse talents, receiving numerous awards for its efforts in promoting women's participation and D&I.

Website: Cocoo