#Japan #Mie #FORVAL #DX Support #Mie Prefecture

Forval Secures Contract for SME DX and AI Support in Mie Prefecture

Forval, headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, has announced that it has been awarded a contract by Mie Prefecture for the second consecutive fiscal year to provide support services focused on Digital Transformation (DX) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region. This initiative is part of the prefecture's broader strategy to create a digital society benefiting all residents.

Following a strategy plan titled "Promotion Plan for the Formation of a Digital Society in Mie" established in fiscal year 2022, the prefecture aims to help SMEs navigate their digital challenges. Many local companies express a desire to embrace DX but are uncertain about how to get started. Reports indicate that AI usage among SMEs is notably low, highlighting the need for guided support.

Customized Support Based on Company Needs

Forval's approach includes tailored support based on a company’s specific needs, offering two distinct courses: the "Short-term Implementation Support Course" and the "Business Transformation Support Course." The firm’s dedicated consultants, referred to as "Corporate Doctors," will provide personalized guidance depending on the company’s situation and phase of development.

Four Phases of Implementation

The support program consists of four key phases:
1. Understanding Current Status: This phase involves investigating and analyzing the current state of DX initiatives using economic census data provided by the government. The region will be segmented into five blocks, and surveys will be conducted to assess the DX status of about 500 companies. Additionally, the management visualization tool "Kizuna PARK" will be employed to evaluate needs for support.
2. Raising Awareness: To foster understanding and commitment to DX, seminars will be conducted. During visits, the intent to participate in these seminars will also be gauged. The goal is to educate interested firms about the importance of DX and AI, sharing success stories and providing concrete ideas for implementation.
3. Support for Companies: Based on results from the initial assessments and interviews, the urgency and execution capabilities of each firm will be evaluated. This will inform which of the two support courses — short-term or long-term — is most appropriate.
4. Public Outcome Presentation: The program will culminate in a collaborative reporting session where achievements and case studies from the support efforts will be shared to promote industry-wide DX initiatives and ongoing productivity improvements.

Support Courses Tailored to Company Phases

The two types of support offered are:

• - Short-term Implementation Support Course (5 companies, approx. 3 months): Designed for SMEs beginning their DX journey or those unsure of how to commence. The course emphasizes rapid results, focusing on themes such as the use of generative AI, information dissemination, and operational efficiency. Companies will be supported in experiencing immediate benefits from their initiatives, setting the stage for longer-term DX commitments.
• - Business Transformation Support Course (10 companies, approx. 5 months): Targeted at firms facing structural challenges like manpower shortages and fragmented information. This course aims for comprehensive organizational change and the establishment of a sustainable DX framework within the company. Support will include visualizing their current state, enhancing operations, establishing information-sharing infrastructure, and promoting data utilization.

Through careful planning and execution, the program seeks to help SMEs not only transition into the digital age but also thrive in a competitive market by increasing productivity and efficiency.

About Forval

Founded in 1980 and publicly listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Forval specializes in providing consulting services tailored to small and medium-sized enterprises. Their unique "Corporate Doctor" model allows them to offer end-to-end support, from diagnosing business challenges to implementing improvement strategies. The firm is also committed to fostering regional collaboration through initiatives like the "F-Japan Concept," which aims to engage local governments, private enterprises, educational institutions, and financial organizations for communal growth.

To know more about this initiative or to inquire about local governmental services, you can reach out through their official contact page.