An in-depth look at five trends that can be applied to new businesses in the digital society!

What is the digital society?

Digital society is a broad term,A society that creates new value by digitizing real goods and services and transforming lifestyles, industries, etc.refers to the "digital society". IT, which has been advancing rapidly in recent years, supports the digital society.

Faster communications, increased memory capacity, and faster processing speeds make it easier to analyze vast amounts of data, and next-generation technologies such as AI are developing quickly.

Five trends related to new businesses in the digital society

New business trends in the digital world include "SaaS"MaaS"D2C"OMO"Society5.0The following is a list of the most common applications and services that are used in the industry. You may not be familiar with them, but they are all utilized in applications and services that you use without much thought.

Here is a detailed introduction to each trend. Understand the characteristics of each and apply them to your new business.

1. "SaaS" to use only what you need, when you need it

What is "SaaS"?On-demand type software service to be used only when neededTypical SaaS services include "Gmail" and "Yahoo!

In addition to Gmail, map applications and smartphone games that we use on a regular basis can also be considered a type of SaaS.

2. "MaaS" Expected as a Next-generation Transportation System

MaaS" stands for "Mobility as a Service," which is expected to become the next-generation transportation system.Systems that enable more efficient use of public transportation such as buses and trains by linking them with ITIt is said.

For example, MaaS can combine information such as timetables of public transportation and destinations to propose services suitable for users and complete everything from making reservations to making payments.

3. "D2C" to connect directly with consumers

D2C" stands for "Direct to Consumer,Business model that allows producers to sell directly to consumersrefers to

The Internet and smartphones have been the driving force behind the spread of "D2C. Producers are now using websites and social networking services to make themselves known for their products and encourage consumers to purchase directly from them.

4. "OMO" connecting on- and off-line

In the OMO, a concept that connects on- and offline,Create new customer experiences by connecting online and offlineThe objective is to

For example, let's say you offer a coupon through online shopping. An "OMO" is an initiative that allows the coupon to be used not only in online shopping, but also in actual stores, i.e., in an offline environment.

5. "Society 5.0" connecting things and people

Society 5.0" is a concept that aims to solve social problems and achieve economic development by connecting things and people.A society that creates new value by connecting people in cyberspace even when they are far apartThe goal is to achieve the following

For example,Connecting objects to the Internet enables remote operation by people from a distance.It is. Society 5.0," in which people are connected in cyberspace even when they are far apart, is one of the "future societies" that the government is advocating.

Two ways to leverage digital trends for new business

As a way to leverage digital trends for new business, "Entering a market that is small in size and speed"Focus on technologies that can be used in a wide range of fieldsThere are two types of "trends". No matter how much it is a trend, it will not work if it is used for new business in the dark.

To take advantage of this, you need to understand the trends and the markets you are entering, and then incorporate them into your strategy. Here are two ways to do this.

1. Entering a market that is small in size and speed

How to take advantage of digital trends,Smaller and faster market entry is betterThe timing of successful market entry should be as early as possible. The earlier you successfully enter the market, the better your chances of success, and even a small difference can make a big difference.

It is a good idea to enter a market that is small in size but fast in speed, and to consolidate your position in the market while keeping an eye on subsequent trends.

2. Focus on technologies that can be used in a wide range of fields

Focus on technologies that can be used in a wide range of fieldsIt is also important to

For example, economic development and changes in social structure always involve the emergence of new technologies. The technologies that attract the most attention are always those that can be used in a wide range of fields. Such technologies are called general purpose technologies (GPT), and include steam engines, engines, electric power, computers, and the Internet.

To take advantage of digital trends for new business, determine whether the technology will be used in a wide range of fields in the future.

Speed is Key for New Businesses in the Digital Society

Speed is the key to success for new businesses in the digital society.It is. As mentioned earlier, even a slight delay in entering the market can create a significant gap between a company and its competitors.

Quickly identify which technologies can be used in a wide range of fields and will become key technologies in the future, and enter the market at the best time.Make sure to do so.