Demonstration of "Innovation Creation Workcation" in Beppu

AsiaQuest Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Iidabashi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Jun Momoi; hereinafter "AsiaQuest"), which supports the digital transformation of local governments and companies by utilizing digital technologies such as IoT and AI, has joined "Future Co-Creation Innovation Network" (INCF), a platform for co-creating and implementing solutions for social issues operated by Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc. 
Since last year, AsiaQuest, based in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, has focused on "workcations, "*1 a new form of work style, as part of INCF activities, and has been studying the possibility of developing and commercializing a program that combines the creation of local innovation with the provision of growth opportunities for people working in metropolitan areas. Asia Quest has been studying the feasibility of developing and commercializing a program that combines the provision of growth opportunities for human resources working in metropolitan areas and the creation of innovation from the region.
AsiaQuest will conduct a demonstration of the "Innovation Creation Workcation" program in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, organized by B-biz LINK, a general incorporated association, Beppu City Platform for Industrial Collaboration and Cooperation.

1. Aim of the "Innovation Creation Workcation
Work vacations," which combine work and vacation, can take a variety of forms, including "vacation-oriented" vacations in which participants work while traveling or returning home, and "work-oriented" vacations in which participants develop business ideas and innovation concepts away from their regular workplaces. This demonstration is a trial of a work vacation (work-focused type), which aims to create innovation through group work.
In a rich natural environment, diverse members (corporate personnel from metropolitan areas, local companies, students, local governments, etc.) will engage in flat and open discussions on solutions to regional issues and business ideas originating from the region. Through team building and new value creation experiences by members with different skills, experiences, and positions, the program fosters innovation orientation and entrepreneurship among participants.

2.Demonstration Outline

In Oita, the outflow of young people to other prefectures is a major issue due to a lack of jobs that young people want to work in and a lack of opportunities to start their own businesses, and the prefecture is eagerly promoting deregulation and building momentum for local and foreign students to start their own businesses. In light of this situation, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (located in Beppu City), where half of the students are from overseas, has been invited to participate in the project. 

・Main demonstration items:
(1) Verification of the effectiveness and sustainability of the Program from the perspective of the companies to which the participants belong (e.g., participation costs, eligibility requirements, Program content and procedures, timing and duration, location and facilities, etc.)
(2) Verification of the effectiveness and sustainability of the program from the perspective of participants (e.g., gaps between program expectations and post-program implementation, perceptions after participating in the program, changes in attitudes and perceptions about daily work and the community before and after participation in the program, content and methods of ongoing support after the completion of the demonstration)
(3) Issues related to management and logistics systems, etc.
In addition, we plan to invite Mr. Haruaki Deguchi, President of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, and Mr. Masashi Kamimura, General Manager of the Management Reform Office and General Manager of the Business Division of Oita Football Club, who have actually been involved in launching new businesses and managing ventures, and have implemented innovative activities, to give lectures.

3. Outlook for the future
After the completion of the demonstration, we will work to build momentum and promote workcations through multiple communication channels, and will also consider sustainable business models based on the results and issues gained through the demonstration.

4.Background of Participation
We have a base in Beppu City, and we are working with Beppu City, universities, and local companies to innovate through the use of digital technologies such as IoT and RPA. We have about 250 employees at six locations in Japan and abroad, many of whom have ties to Beppu City, such as graduates of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), and we are participating in this initiative as a venture company to foster industry in Beppu City.
Please refer to the following URL for more information on initiatives using digital technology in Oita.

■Oita Trinita IoT Stadium Project (Phase 1: IoT to improve work efficiency, Phase 2: AI camera to understand congestion)
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000044.000019319.html
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000054.000019319.html

■Beppu City RPA introduction
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000051.000019319.html

*1 A term coined by combining the words "work" and "vacation.
*2 Entrepreneurial spirit: A willingness to create new businesses and boldly take on high risks.

【For inquiries regarding this matter, please contact】
AsiaQuest Co., Ltd. Miyazaki
Mail：pressrelease@asia-quest.jp