Digitalisation projects for the development of regional hubs
Japan is characterized by an extreme concentration of state government institutions, universities and the headquarters of the largest listed companies in the Tokyo metropolitan region, while in Germany due to historical developments and a continued strong tendency towards regionalization until the present day, many medium-sized cities exist with a far higher productivity than the all German average. The most successful municipalities together with their surrounding area form economic centers of supra-regional importance which exert a positive influence on each other, which can also contribute to the stimulation of urban development. On the Japanese side there was great interest to learn more about German initiatives for regional development, also against the background that both countries show similar trends in their economic and social development. Both countries are highly developed, export-driven national economies with a strong industry and an innovative research landscape, show similar demographic trends (ageing society) and as a result are experiencing a declining development trend in rural areas.
The compiled overview of regional revitalization activities of German medium-sized cities by means of digital technologies will be of great help to the efforts of Japanese municipal governments, e.g. in the planning of local, decentralized financial support and development measures. On the basis of a nationwide survey, we interviewed administrative officials from local communities and private business associations about the status and methodology of their digitalisation and Smart City projects. In addition to the main focus of the survey, it was also examined to what extent the presented projects contribute to the value added and productivity increase in the region and at the same time address current urgent topics such as decarbonization and the promotion of energy security.