Role of coordinator for collaboration between local long-established SMEs and external human resources

-A Practical Case Study of Wakuwaku Switch General Incorporated Association and Yamanizousu Company-

Abstract

In recent years, in the context of cross-border learning, there has been an increasing willingness among working pro bono professionals to participate in projects at local SMEs. In addition, local SMEs often lack sufficient know-how and management resources to promote new projects, as they face challenges in training successors and recruiting new human resources for business continuity. This study focuses on a case in which a local long-established SME in Tsu, Mie Prefecture, Yamani Zouzu Co., Ltd. created innovation by collaborating with external human resources during the period 2015-2023. The co-creation was realized by a long-established local SME and a working pro bono worker, with the third-party organization, Wakuwaku Switch General Incorporated Association, functioning as a coordinator.