Central Japan - (JCN Newswire) – Central Japan is where the mysterious sphere-shaped object, which many nicknamed "Godzilla Egg," washed up on the beach last month. Coincidentally, another sphere concept was unveiled at a panel discussion hosted by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Central Japan Startup Ecosystem Consortium, which was themed around regional innovation in Aichi, Nagoya, and Hamamatsu, fostered through co-creation. The new sphere-shaped logo announced after the session not only represents the geographical and industrial center of Japan's manufacturing excellence but also depicts the open and welcoming culture of the region, which invites like-minded startups and entrepreneurs from all corners of the world.The power of convergence
In a panel discussion dubbed "Region×Innovation – Knowing Who and How to Engage," PDIE Group Founder Christian Schmitz cited Tesla as an example of the type of innovation startup ecosystems are tackling today. "We need to realize Tesla only looks like a car" but is, in fact, "a convergence of different technologies." He said so to describe how the Central Japan region's spirited hardware manufacturing craftsmanship can evolve by connecting with startups specialized in new digital areas such as AI, big data, material science, and nano-technology, as well as emerging business models. In addition, Christian welcomed the fact that there are now increasing opportunities after the pandemic to meet face-to-face in networking or matching events, which fosters the convergence of talent.
Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, wrote that the "shift from simple digitization to innovation based on combinations of technologies is forcing companies to reexamine the way they do business." Citing the chairman's quote, Jonathan Soble said, "the means to connect and involve people is not limited to physical interactions." Jonathan is the Editorial and Communication Lead at the World Economic Forum Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Japan. Today "I see more and more people in Japan, both expatriate and Japanese moving away from Tokyo, but are remotely connected to Tokyo or even Australia." He concluded that anyone interested in the Central Japan region could be plugged into the ecosystem without constantly being on the ground. However, Jonathan continued by provoking the area to also transform the work culture, if not, at the very least, "should embrace that creative people (or startups) prefer a different workstyle and lifestyle" from conventional Japanese manufacturing companies or plants.
A culture that embraces failure
Shinko Osada, a Board member of Future Design Shibuya, expanded on the cultural aspect, stressing the importance of defining the city or region as a brand before discussing the possibility of a cross-border ecosystem succeeding out of Japan. Based on her experience working behind the ongoing rebranding of Shibuya in Tokyo, she described how "the people make up the culture" and a sense of belonging, energy, and city pride were the key ingredients of what makes an appealing regional brand. "We need to connect and involve a diverse range of people" to raise awareness of the regional brand, which "attracts more people who want to take part" in evolving the Central Japan Startup Ecosystem.
Full press release: https://acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/81760/