#Japan #Hokkaido #Seven-Eleven #AUBA #Hokkaido Project

Collaborative Efforts in Hokkaido's Revitalization

In a significant move to reshape Hokkaido's economic landscape, Seven-Eleven Japan, led by CEO Tomohiro Akutsu, has partnered with eiicon to leverage its expansive open innovation platform, AUBA. This collaborative project aims to align with Hokkaido's distinct values and culture while creating innovative solutions through partnerships across the nation.

This initiative comes on the heels of the successful SEVEN-ELEVEN JAPAN INNOVATION PROGRAM 2024, which actively engaged local sentiments to enhance Seven-Eleven's value. Through this new initiative, Seven-Eleven looks forward to co-create with participating organizations to develop projects that resonate with Hokkaido's unique needs.

The Core of the Hokkaido Project

The primary objective of the Hokkaido Project is to tackle local challenges by delivering localized solutions. By creating a convenience store experience tailored to the neighborhood's unique characteristics, Seven-Eleven aspires to cultivate an unparalleled shopping experience that holds significant meaning for each customer. The initiative emphasizes the beauty of Hokkaido’s vast nature and diverse localities, aiming to generate collaborative projects that address localized needs while expanding into other regions of Japan.

Themes for Collaboration

Recognizing the distinctive characteristics and purchasing behaviors in Hokkaido, Seven-Eleven has announced three thematic areas for collaboration:

1. Redesigning Convenient Shopping for Hokkaido Living:
Innovative ideas include a support model for elderly shoppers, smart pickup lockers to combat winter delivery issues, and a sharing service for neighborhood deliveries.

2. Creating Personal Value from Regional Diversity:
Suggestions entail developing localized branding products that reflect the area’s unique culinary identity, creating experiential content to connect tourists with locals, and establishing on-demand transport services to address local connectivity challenges.

3. Utilizing Human Connections to Activate the Regional Economy:
Ideas range from harnessing local resources into exclusive products, redesigning convenience stores as community hubs, to collaborating with local sports teams for community engagement.

These themes are pivotal in guiding the partnership invitations as they seek impactful collaboration.

Resources Offered by the Hokkaido Project

Participants will benefit from Seven-Eleven's robust network of about 1,000 stores across Hokkaido, which showcases regionally curated products. The stores are positioned as real-world venues to trial new services, with capabilities such as:
- Diverse Retail Experiences: Featuring everything from fresh food, Seven Café, to a selection of local delicacies.
- 7NOW Delivery Service: Offering rapid delivery with real-time inventory integration, ensuring products reach consumers in record time.
- Services at Store Locations: Including ATM capabilities for QR payments, ticketing services, and multifunctional copiers available in-store.

Furthermore, through collaboration with local producers and small businesses, Seven-Eleven aims to drive the development of region-specific products while maintaining strong community ties with store owners and local municipalities.

Timeline and Application Process

The call for partnerships opens on July 1, 2025, and runs until August 20, 2025, with selection announcements made by October 31, 2025. Selected candidates will engage in discussions for practical implementation and business realization.

Eligibility criteria include:

• - Ownership of products or technology by the applicant.
• - Official business registration, applicable nationwide.

For detailed information, potential partners can visit the application page at AUBA Project. Early applications are encouraged, with a special deadline on July 18, 2025.

Final Words

This initiative embodies the essence of open innovation, a concept pioneered by Henry Chesbrough in 2003, which emphasizes the importance of integrating external resources with internal capabilities to foster innovation. Seven-Eleven Japan is dedicated to redefining the conventional retail landscape in Hokkaido while inviting collaborative partners to venture into a bright future filled with unique value creation.