#Japan #FORVAL #DX Promotion #Chikuma City #Chikuma

FORVAL's Commitment to Digital Transformation in Chikuma City

In a significant step towards bolstering digitalization in local government, FORVAL Inc., a group of next-generation management consultants based in Shibuya, Tokyo, has secured the contract for the 2023 fiscal year's "Chikuma City DX Promotion Advisory Services." This initiative comes under the guiding principle of "Creating a New World with New Norms," highlighting FORVAL's commitment to supporting visible ESG management.

Background and Purpose of the Project

The necessity for digitization in local governance has gained urgency, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Japanese government has recognized this need by establishing the Digital Agency and formulating municipal DX promotion plans. Chikuma City has already taken steps by crafting its own DX promotion plan in the fiscal year 2022.

Given the city's efforts to enhance digital governance, FORVAL, with its extensive experience in providing DX support to local authorities—including Hakuba Village, Iiyama City, Shinano Town, and Matsukawa Village—was selected for this crucial role. FORVAL has been instrumental in facilitating the visibility of internal operations, streamlining application processes, and developing comprehensive DX roadmaps.

Project Objectives and Support

This project aims to leverage FORVAL's expertise to assist Chikuma City in establishing a robust DX promotion system led by the Chief Information Officer (CIO), who is also the Deputy Mayor. FORVAL will provide specialized advice and support that encompasses enhancing staff awareness, improving operations, and implementing information systems. The ultimate goal is to ensure that Chikuma City can independently and continuously promote DX initiatives, thereby enhancing citizen services and improving the working conditions of its employees.

Detailed Project Activities

The advisory services provided by FORVAL include:
1. Support in Digital Transformation and DX Promotion: FORVAL will offer technical guidance and advice to the CIO and the city’s DX promotion team, contributing insights on strategic initiatives connected to digital transformation. They will attend relevant city meetings to elucidate proposed plans.

2. Guidance on DX Initiatives: By assessing national policies and technological trends in the private sector, FORVAL will assist Chikuma City's digital agency initiatives, ensuring they align with current best practices and optimal directions.

3. Fostering a Culture of Digital Transformation: Among other activities, FORVAL will provide necessary information on national and local trends related to digital transformation, aiming to cultivate an environment conducive to DX adoption throughout the city's workforce. This includes planning initiatives to enhance the digital skills of city employees.

4. Support for Information Systems Implementation and Operational Efficiency: FORVAL will also aid the city in implementing and updating proposed information systems. This involves budget planning, consultation on DX initiatives, and assistance in drafting documentation for system specifications.

5. Efficiency Improvements: The consultancy will conduct interviews to understand departmental workloads and identify areas where digital technologies and AI can streamline operations, thereby supporting the revision of workflows and selection of optimal tools.

About FORVAL Inc.

Founded in 1980, FORVAL specializes in comprehensive consulting services aimed at small and medium businesses across five key sectors: information communication, international affairs, environmental solutions, human resources and education, and entrepreneurship/business succession. With a capital of 4.1 billion yen and stock code 8275, FORVAL aligns its services with Japan’s governmental goals centered around green initiatives, digital transformation, regional revitalization, and countering declining birth rates.

Through its F-Japan initiative, FORVAL collaborates with municipalities, private enterprises, education institutions, and financial organizations to foster skills in digital transformation and green transformation, thereby establishing a virtuous cycle that revitalizes local economies. Additionally, the company emphasizes the visual aspect of ESG management, catering to the growing significance of human capital.

Company Overview

• - Company Name: FORVAL Inc.
• - CEO: Masanori Nakajima
• - Established: September 18, 1980
• - Location: 14th Floor, Aoyama Oval Building, 5-52-2 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

For more detailed information, please visit FORVAL's official website.