The Small Things Secures Contract to Boost Saitama's Sports Innovation Project

The Small Things Boosting Saitama's Sports Initiatives

Introduction

The Small Things, a leading consulting firm specializing in sports co-creation, is proud to announce its recent contract with the Saitama City Sports Commission for the "2023 Saitama City SOIP Project Support Services". This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to fostering open innovation within the sports sector and reflects its proven expertise in project management.

Understanding SOIP

The Saitama City version of the Sports Open Innovation Platform (SOIP) is an innovative approach designed to leverage sports as a catalyst for solving local challenges and nurturing community development. The city has been proactive in promoting sports, even enacting ordinances that prioritize sports revival and community building. Home to professional teams like Urawa Red Diamonds and Omiya Ardija, Saitama has a rich sports culture, making it the perfect backdrop for the SOIP initiative. Since its inception, SOIP has aimed to meld entrepreneurship and community service through sports.

Background on Previous Successes

In the previous year, under the auspices of the Saitama Sports Commission, the program successfully gathered numerous business proposals, each designed to foster collaboration between local sports teams and enterprises. These proposals addressed various social issues, from health enhancement to environmental sustainability. A notable presentation of the program's outcomes was held in March, illustrating the tangible benefits and the collaborative spirit nurtured through SOIP. As the city continues these efforts into the next fiscal year, the focus remains on forming a viable model for regional revitalization through sports initiatives.

Scope of Work

Commissioner: Saitama City
Project Name: 2023 Saitama City SOIP Project Support Services
Contract Duration: From signing to March 31, 2024
Services Provided: Comprehensive program management support, including assistance with recruiting participant companies, organizing co-creation workshops, project collaboration support, and planning the final report event.

The Small Things' Contributions

The Small Things has positioned itself as a unique entity within Japan, specializing exclusively in the intersection of sports and collaborative innovation. With a strong record of facilitating dialogues among diverse stakeholders — including local governments, private businesses, and non-profit organizations — the company’s experience spans project management and execution support. Its dual role as a facilitator and a "sports community designer" has allowed it to lead cross-organizational efforts successfully.

In the Saitama SOIP project, The Small Things will implement future-center dialogue techniques to visualize stakeholder perspectives, ensuring that a shared vision for the future is developed collaboratively. Drawing from extensive experience in sports management and stakeholder facilitation, the firm aims to drive effective program operations while contributing significantly to local community initiatives.

Future Perspectives

Receiving this contract marks a pivotal moment for The Small Things as it aims to extend its influence on sports-related projects led by municipalities across the nation. Given the growing demand for community development through sports, the firm is poised to use its well-honed expertise to address diverse regional needs in the upcoming projects.

The commitment to creating solutions for local issues through a sports-centric approach remains steadfast. The objective is to widen the impact of revitalizing regional economies through sports at a national level. The Small Things is dedicated to ensuring that the achievements within Saitama serve as a launchpad for future endeavors that enhance sports culture and community welfare throughout Japan.

About The Small Things

Founded under the name inspired by WONK's song "small things," The Small Things operates under the belief that small actions can lead to significant global changes. The company’s core mission revolves around dialogue and experimental approaches, promoting cooperation among local stakeholders to create new sports experiences, strengthen fan engagement, and innovate community projects. Emphasizing a motto of gradual progression — "We talk slow Tomorrow, how would it be?" — The Small Things is dedicated to exploring new values in sports through small, meaningful steps.