Lately, there's a noticeable push to leverage digital technology for improving operational efficiency and enhancing customer experiences. DX is advancing across various industries, including areas where implementation was previously difficult. Among these, "digital forwarding" (digitizing trade operations) and "smart stadiums" (stadiums utilizing IoT) are gaining significant attention. Understanding these trending buzzwords helps businesses adapt to changing times and develop forward-looking corporate strategies. This article highlights five trending buzzwords currently making waves.
Gig Workers/Spot Workers:Could They Help Solve the 2024 Problem?
Following the post-COVID recovery of inbound tourism and the lifting of movement restrictions, labor shortages have become particularly severe, especially in the food and beverage industry. A key countermeasure gaining importance is the role of "gig workers" and "spot workers." Characterized by short-term or part-time work facilitated through intermediary apps, "gig workers" primarily operate on a contract basis. The appeal lies in the ability to work at their own pace and earn performance-based income. "Spot workers," on the other hand, enter formal employment contracts with companies, receive fixed compensation like hourly wages, and gain the security of Labor Standards Act protections. While these flexible work styles have existed before, they are expanding amid stagnant wages and the rise of people seeking additional income sources due to the lifting of restrictions on side jobs, backed by the evolution of matching platforms. They also align well with Gen Z's focus on time efficiency, drawing renewed attention. As this trend spreads to industries like logistics, where labor shortages are a concern due to the 2024 problem, incorporating such talent may offer solutions to your company's challenges.
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The Future of Trade DX Pioneered by"Digital Forwarding"
Essential to trade transactions are forwarding operations like booking ships, aircraft, and trucks; remitting funds; and customs clearance. Traditionally, much of this involved paper-based exchanges. With differing laws, regulations, and commercial practices across countries and regions, it required significant effort. Recently, "digital forwarding" has gained attention in the context of trade DX. It's a service that digitizes the vast paperwork involved in trade procedures, aiming to streamline operations. For instance, tasks like obtaining quotes, tracking cargo, and communicating with relevant parties can now be performed online via the cloud. While this service initially emerged from startups in Japan, major logistics companies have begun entering the market in recent years. By improving trade operational efficiency, it is expected to contribute to securing stable logistics resources and indirectly positively impact the 2024 logistics crisis.
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Creating a new shopping experience? The promising sales channel "Metacommmerce"
"Metacommmerce" refers to buying and selling goods within the metaverse. Compared to conventional e-commerce sites, it offers a more realistic shopping experience and features high entertainment value. Active participation is advancing in sectors like convenience stores, department stores, and the apparel industry. Using avatars to try on clothes or receive customer service makes it easier to understand products and visualize their use, potentially boosting consumer purchasing desire. With online shopping becoming commonplace and advancements in technologies like AI acting as tailwinds, China has seen some success with live commerce conducted by virtual humans within the metaverse. While the metaverse has generated significant buzz, it still feels somewhat detached from everyday life. "Metacommmerce" may be the catalyst to change that. Keep an eye on future developments.
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"Smart Stadium" Bridges Sports DX and Regional Revitalization
As the COVID-19 pandemic subsides and various sporting events gain momentum, keywords related to sports are also drawing significant attention. "Smart Stadium" is one such term. It refers to arenas that leverage technology and data to enhance the spectator experience through DX. IoT is utilized to improve stadium UX, enabling features like convenient e-tickets, real-time streaming and replay viewing on smartphones, food and beverage ordering and delivery at seats, and visualization of restroom availability. Furthermore, by leveraging accumulated big data and collaborating with external facilities, it becomes possible to implement measures that optimize crowd flow. Not only is it expected to enhance the sports viewing experience and attract more spectators, but the data obtained can also be utilized for commercial strategies and urban development. Consequently, it is generating significant expectations from the perspective of regional revitalization and community development.
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What is"Flatism,"the New Value System Emerging from China's Generation Z?
"Flatism" refers to the philosophy and lifestyle of "living flat, like lying down," which spread primarily among China's Generation Z. Proposed on social media as an antithesis to an overly competitive society, people who embrace this mindset are called the "lying-down tribe." Specific behaviors include reducing daily stress, avoiding expensive purchases, valuing personal time, and not pursuing high salaries or career advancement. Similarities can be seen with the previously discussed American "quiet quitting" and Japan's "Satori Generation." It's fascinating that similar movements emerge among young people across culturally distinct countries. The ease of connecting globally through social media may be contributing to the convergence of values and behaviors worldwide. In the future, newly emerging values could rapidly become globally shared trends across generations. For now, let's recognize it as one of the trends associated with Generation Z.
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This month, we introduced keywords related to technology-driven consumption promotion and new value creation, such as "Metacommmerce" and "Smart Stadium," as well as values spreading primarily among Generation Z, like "Flatism." By also examining how people's awareness and mindsets are changing, we may gain a more accurate grasp of what is currently required in business. If you are considering business development with DX in mind, or rethinking service approaches from a new perspective based on the trends among younger generations, please feel free to reach out to us.
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