#Japan #Kyoto #Kyoto Prototype Network #I-OTA #日本製造業

Kyoto Prototype Network and I-OTA Forge New Pathways in Manufacturing Collaboration

On February 9, the Kyoto Prototype Network, based in Kyoto City, and I-OTA LLC, headquartered in Ota City, Tokyo, entered into a significant comprehensive agreement aimed at advancing collaboration in the prototyping and development sectors. Under the leadership of Tomokazu Sasaki and Ai Hiroguchi, this initiative seeks to innovate product development processes by bridging gaps between regions.

Background of the Agreement

As products and equipment development become increasingly sophisticated and complex, companies often find themselves facing challenges that cannot be solved by the capabilities of a single locality or organization. Recognizing this, it has become essential for organizations with strengths in prototyping and development from different regions to collaborate. This agreement is a proactive measure aimed at scrutinizing the roles and cooperation models that can be effectively established at a practical level.

Founded in 2001, the Kyoto Prototype Network has emphasized solving challenges through direct dialogue with customers, delivering prototype support that is not only tailored but also effective. In contrast, I-OTA has been actively supporting advanced manufacturing by integrating on-site capabilities with digital technology, primarily serving small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Ota region. Both organizations equip themselves to address market changes and diverse client challenges, providing integrated solutions from requirement definitions to design, production, and on-site rollouts.

This agreement symbolizes a joint effort to explore the practical potential of regional collaborations. By going beyond mere local networks, both organizations aim to elevate technological skills and knowledge through cross-regional cooperation, ultimately reinforcing Japan's manufacturing revival through SMEs' collaborative capabilities.

Proposed Collaborative Directions

The agreement outlines expected forms of collaboration that will be validated through concrete projects:

1. Rediscovering Strengths: Both organizations plan to re-confirm their strengths and showcase them through joint participation in domestic and international exhibitions.
2. Phased Collaboration Models: They will verify collaboration models that divide responsibilities between initial concept phases and subsequent technology development phases.
3. Network Collaboration Validation: The effectiveness of network collaboration will be evaluated in projects that span multiple fields.
4. Initial Year Focus: During the first year, efforts will concentrate on information exchange and project response, alongside organizing role distribution and operational challenges.

Each step will embrace empirical measures, crafting the future of their collaboration gradually.

Strengths of Each Organization

Kyoto Prototype Network

• - Established: 25 years with over 10,000 consultations.
• - Support Approach: Focused on challenge-solving through dialogue with clients.
• - Operational Philosophy: Governed by a strong management ideology.

I-OTA

• - Network: A vast network of 115 SMEs across the nation.
• - Dual Capability: Support frameworks that integrate on-site strength with digital technologies.
• - Communication Base: A solid foundation for expansive collaboration.

Organization Overview

Kyoto Prototype Network

• - Location: Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
• - Leadership: Tomokazu Sasaki, Executive Director
• - Activities: Promoting collaboration, technical support for SMEs based on prototyping and development, joint procurement, and research and development.

I-OTA LLC

• - Location: Ota City, Tokyo
• - Leadership: Ai Hiroguchi, Representative
• - Activities: Promoting collaboration among SMEs across the nation, managing a digital order platform, and providing manufacturing support services.