Insight into Students' Views on DX and AI Utilization in Japan's Corporate World

Understanding the Importance of Digital Transformation and AI for Japanese Students

According to recent research conducted by FORVAL GDX Research Institute, a significant 67.1% of students in Japan believe that digital transformation (DX) is essential for companies today. The study emphasizes the growing necessity of leveraging advanced technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) for maintaining competitive edge in today’s business environment. Notably, the study revealed that more than half of the respondents indicated diminished job interest towards companies that are not actively promoting DX.

In collaboration with Kogakuin University, Kōgakkan University, and Chukyo University, this comprehensive survey aimed to gauge students' awareness and attitudes towards DX and AI applications in the corporate sector. The findings reveal a clear trend: students are not only aware of the importance of DX and AI but are also active users of AI technologies in their daily lives.

Key Findings from the Survey

1. Perception of Necessity: A striking 67.1% of students believe that DX is fundamentally needed for Japanese companies to thrive.
2. Job Aspirations: When presented with the idea of working for companies that do not prioritize DX, over half of the surveyed students reported a drop in their employment interest towards those companies.
3. Daily AI Usage: More than 80% of students use AI tools like ChatGPT, Bing AI, and Gemini as part of their routine, showcasing a strong familiarity with technology within this demographic.

The demand for DX and AI is significantly prominent among students. The study analyzed various dimensions of their digital literacy and expectations from future business workplaces. It highlights a crucial gap between the expectations of students who regularly use digital tools and the current state of technology initiatives employed by many businesses, especially small to medium enterprises (SMEs).

Attitudes Toward Employment and Technology

Further inquiries into employment trends indicate that 57.1% of students consider a company's stance on DX when job hunting. The responses highlighted that if students learn a prospective employer is not invested in DX, 43.5% would experience a modest decline in job interest while 9.9% would be significantly deterred from applying.

While it is apparent that the absence of DX initiatives does not immediately eliminate job interest, the awareness and preference for companies progressing in DX and AI are considerable. This trend suggests that while students remain open to various employment options, their inclination towards tech-driven companies is evident, potentially making DX an integral factor in hiring strategies for future employability.

AI Usage Among Students

The survey further detailed how students utilize AI: 37.3% indicated they use it frequently, and 45.3% occasionally. This translates to over 80% of students regularly engaging with AI technologies, particularly the significant uptake following the launch of AI platforms like ChatGPT.

Among the AI application areas, a remarkable 72.2% use it primarily for information retrieval, indicating a shift from conventional search engines to new AI-driven tools for efficient data gathering. Additionally, 57.1% also leverage AI tools for drafting reports and assignments, illustrating the growing reliance on AI for educational tasks. Beyond academia, students are adopting AI for diverse purposes, extending to hobbies and general inquiries, affirming its role as a multifaceted aid in their daily lives.

Conclusion and Future Directions

The insights gathered through this study conducted by FORVAL GDX Research Institute underscored the vital expectations students hold for businesses in adapting to DX and AI. As digital technologies become increasingly central to workplace dynamics, it is essential for businesses—especially SMEs—to recognize the profound implications of integrating such advancements into their operations.

Moving forward, businesses must bridge the awareness gap and align their strategies to better engage with the digital-savvy younger generations entering the workforce. Considering the projected growth of digital roles, enhancing efforts in securing and developing digital talents will also become necessary as businesses evolve with technology.

For more information about the ongoing initiatives and findings from FORVAL GDX Research Institute regarding SMEs and GDX, please visit FORVAL GDX Research.