Assisting programs for local small and medium-sized firms and volunteer study groups by firms

A case study in Kagawa

Abstract

This paper argues about assisting programs for small and medium-sized firms (including entrepreneurs) by various institutions and examines a volunteer study group by local firms in Kagawa. In Shikoku, the Shikoku Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry has been holding seminars for helping local firms internationalize their business. The seminar consists of presentations of leading firms and business-related institutions. The Kagawa Industry Support Foundation helps local firms to start new business, to develop new products and to start international business. The Kagawa Innovation Presentation Group, a volunteer studying group of nine firms in Kagawa, has been organizing gathering for presenting each firms’ innovation trials every six months. This half year-based gathering for presenting innovation trials contributes each firm to advance their business performances.