◆FY 2006

Regional Revitalization Manager Project (Kamishihoro-cho, Hokkaido)
Commissioned by: Japan Foundation For Regional Vitalization (Furusato Zaidan)

HVCSRI was selected as a Revitalization Manager in FY2006 by Kamishihoro-cho, whose project had been adopted to be one of the Regional Revitalization Manager Projects operated by Japan Foundation For Regional Vitalization (Furusato Zaidan) in cooperation with Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC). In FY2006, HVCSRI provided support for the smooth execution of the entire project by advancing various activities in the region, such as the promotion of “local production and local consumption,” revitalization of Naitai Highland Farm and Nukabira Hot Spring, and provision of health services utilizing regional resources.

Feasibility Study on Economic Vitalization Measures in Shikoku Region
Commissioned by: Shikoku Industry & Technology Promotion Center (STEP)

HVCSRI conducted a field survey on venture companies that may lead the Shikoku Region in the future, SMEs that aimed for launching new businesses, venture funds based on the local financial institutions in the region, and also the pioneering examples of regional funds in the nation. Analyzing the survey results, HVCSRI identified current states and issues on funding in Shikoku Region. In addition, HVCSRI proposed reference models for the “Shikoku Region Revitalization Fund,” which has a hands-on function for optimizing the regional resources and provides funds for developing new projects and establishing industrial cluster that utilize regional resources. Feasibility study on fund establishment is also conducted.

Survey on the Use of ICT for High-value-added Agricultural Products in Hokkaido
Commissioned by: Hokkaido Bureau of Telecommunications, MIC

To increase the vitality and profitability of the agricultural sector in Hokkaido, various targets are considered to be met, which include more efficient and enhanced management; combined business with product processing; training for newcomers and successors to secure farming population; accountability for safety to the consumers; development of regional brand; and expansion of sales routes. This survey focused on ICT as one of the measures to create high-value-added agricultural products and proposed solutions based on the technology.

Technology Transfer of Usability Engineering
Commissioned by: Northern Advancement Center for Science & Technology (NOASTEC Foundation)

Knowledge Cluster Project “Sapporo IT Carrozzeria” sponsored by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and local governments has produced numbers of research results, and their applications and commercialization in their business arenas were requested. As a part of the project, HVCSRI organized a group of specialists to compile a textbook, and hold seminars for software engineers on the necessity and techniques for user-centered design in various stages in software development.

Development of Alliance Plans with Overseas Partners
Commissioned by: NOASTEC Foundation

In promoting the commercial applications of the research findings of the Knowledge Cluster Project “Sapporo IT Carrozzeria,” HVCSRI performed research and examination on the possibility of international partnership with several regions. Based on the research results, HVCSRI coordinated establishing partnership agreement among Torino Wireless Foundation, Sapporo Knowledge Cluster Headquarters (NOASTEC Foundation) and Hokkaido Venture Capital, Inc.

“Research Group on Evaluation and Audit Manual for Water Supply Services”
Organized by: Hokkaido University Public Policy School

HVCSRI participated in the research on restructuring of the water supply services and public-private cooperation in the “Study Group on Evaluation and Audit Manual for Water Supply Services” established by Creative Research Institute “Sousei” of Hokkaido University as one of the science and technology policy projects financed through Technology and Science Promotion Adjustment Expenses by MEXT. As a part of ongoing research, HVCSRI wrote a part of a publication “For Continuous Water Supply - Restructuring of the Business and Public-Private Partnership” (in Japanese).

Research on the Promotion of “sapporo ideas city” (Sapporo City)

Supporting “Research Group on the Technology for Utilizing Digital Images of the Hokkaido Region” (Hokkaido Bureau of Telecommunications, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications)

Research on the Educational Programs for Skilled IT Engineers (DEOS Hokkaido)

Business Value Evaluation of a Public Service

Tomoyasu SHIMIZU

BS in Engineering from Hokkaido University. Director, General Manager of Research Department at HVC Strategic Research Institute, Inc.

At the Hokkaido Institute for the Future Advancement and CIS Institute for Planning, provided advice for the development of new industry, environment and energy issues, promotion of food-related industries and creative economy, and various town developments in the tasks commissioned by METI Hokkaido, Hokkaido Government and other municipalities. As deputy secretariat-general of the Hokkaido New Business Conference, he planned and operated cross-industrial exchange programs and free consulting office for entrepreneurs.

Issei Okuma

BA in Economics from Waseda University. Senior Researcher of Research Department at HVC Strategic Research Institute, Inc.

At Fuji Research Institute Corp. (current Mizuho Information & Research Institute, Inc.), he mainly engaged in researches on macroeconomics as a researcher for Economics Research Dept. and Special Research Group. Submitted numbers of articles to Japanese business journals such as Weekly Diamond and Weekly Economist, and coauthored publications in Japanese; “The Japanese Economy Will Revive” (DIAMOND, Inc.) and “Practical Knowledge on Finance and Economy” (TOYO KEIZAI INC.) Has engaged in a business merger operation between a think-tank and system integrator within Mizuho Group.

Tomonori YORITA

MA in Commerce from Otaru University of Commerce. Researcher of Research Department at HVC Strategic Research Institute, Inc.

Assisted in establishing funds and starting up companies as an intern for HVC. At Japan Asia Investment Co., Ltd. (JAIC), experienced the establishment of, investment in, and fostering of Internet-related companies, university spin-off tech companies, software development firms, etc. Then joined an Internet-related company and worked in its business development division. He planned and established region-specific funds and a film fund at Hokkaido Venture Capital, Inc.