#Japan #Tokyo #JR East #Impact Circle #Social Value

Introduction

Impact Circle, based in Minato, Tokyo, is on a mission to unveil the social value generated through collaborations in regional co-creation projects. Recently, it has joined forces with JR East Startup Corporation and its invested company, Dots and Lines, to produce the 'Impact Book.' This innovative publication visually represents the effects of JR East Group's support on local communities through a systematic approach involving logic models and both quantitative and qualitative data.

Background and Purpose

The primary goal of the JR East Group is to invigorate the local economy and society by strategically investing in regional startups. To achieve this, it's crucial to communicate its investment activities' objectives and results to deepen relationships with various stakeholders. Therefore, this project relies on the expertise of Impact Circle, which has extensive experience in supporting publicly traded companies in visualizing their impact. The focus of this initiative is to show how JR East supports local businesses beyond mere financial investment, encompassing the utilization of station spaces, the creation of collaboration opportunities, and the provision of external networks.

Implementation Process

The project follows a structured approach:
1. Define Regional Challenges and Create a Logic Model: Identifying issues like the collaboration among SMEs in the Tsubame-Sanjo area and forming a Logic Model that represents the desired outcome through initiatives like 'JRE Local Hub Tsubame-Sanjo'.
2. Metrics for Outcomes and Data Collection: Establishing short-term to medium-term outcomes based on collaboration among member companies and collecting both qualitative and quantitative data.
3. Qualitative Impact Visualization via Interviews: Conducting interviews with member companies to gather their stories based on established outcomes, providing a narrative for qualitative impact visualization.
4. Creating the Impact Book: Effectively combining photographs, diagrams, and stakeholder comments to foster intuitive understanding and emotional resonance for varied audiences.

Project Outcomes

1. Shared Understanding of Investment Significance: The visualization of investment activities through the Impact Book has promoted recognition among stakeholders, including those not directly involved in investment projects, fostering a deeper organizational understanding.
2. Strengthening Relations with Local Stakeholders: The Impact Book serves as a tool for Dots to express the value of their community-based operations, utilized in engagements with government entities, economic groups, and educational institutions.
3. Enhanced Communication with Future Partners: JR East Startup uses the Impact Book as a resource for potential investment candidates and collaboration partners, clearly communicating the social value and contributions to the region while facilitating deeper trust and understanding.

Future Initiatives

Building on insights gained from this project, Impact Circle aims to strengthen several efforts:

• - Visualization of impact from collaborative projects among local businesses.
• - Formulating impact strategies for VC and CVC investments with a focus on transparency.
• - Developing diverse communication frameworks utilizing multimedia formats to effectively convey impact messages.

Among these, the emphasis on investment and co-creation by community-centered companies will be prioritized. The approaches and knowledge established through this project aim to assist stakeholders in re-evaluating their significance, thereby fostering empathy and collaborative value creation.

For more information about their services, visit Impact Circle's Website.