GTS Advisory Inc. has signed a "Business Promotion and Execution Support Contract for Japan-Korea Cross-Border Business" with ITWORKS JAPAN Co., Ltd. (ITWJP), officially launching the project. This contract will strongly promote bidirectional cross-border Proof of Concept (PoC) initiatives and innovation by connecting promising companies possessing cutting-edge technology with markets in both Japan and Korea—expanding from Korea to Japan, and from Japan to Korea.
■ Background and Purpose of the Project
As the utilization of technology to solve social issues becomes an urgent priority in both countries, there is a growing need for broad technological collaboration that maximizes mutual business experience and networks, rather than being limited to specific economic zones or institutions. The purpose of this project is to directly link the cutting-edge deep-tech and startup solutions from both countries to the specific challenges faced by society and enterprises in Japan and Korea.
■ The "Mirror Image" Effect with ITWORKS JAPAN and the Two-Track Strategy
Our partner, ITWORKS JAPAN Co., Ltd., led by Chief Executive Officer John (Jang Ahn) Kwon, is a professional firm driving the expansion of Korean deep-tech startups and telecom infrastructure technologies into the Japanese market (Headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo). CEO Kwon concurrently serves as the head of the SYP Japan Branch, and the company operates as an official partner of KOTRA and GDIN, possessing world-class technical verification and tech-sales capabilities. GTS Advisory and ITWORKS JAPAN have formed a mutually complementary partnership based on the "Mirror Image" effect—where a Japanese CEO operates in Korea and a Korean CEO operates in Japan. Through this project, we are developing a comprehensive cross-border innovation ecosystem utilizing a two-track strategy: "Track A" for public-led initiatives connecting excellent technologies/solutions with public institutions and large enterprises in both countries, and "Track B" for private-led initiatives supporting the bidirectional cross-border expansion of promising startups.
■ GTS Advisory's Role and Specific Support Initiatives
As a "Maestro" deeply familiar with the administrative and business practices of both countries, GTS Advisory will collaborate with ITWJP under the "ITWJP × GTS Joint Desk" framework to powerfully drive practical operations within both markets:
- Direct Approach to Target Market Partners (Front Sales): Making direct proposals and building strong relationships with top executives and management of leading companies and institutions in both countries.
- Localization of Proposals for the Target Market: Optimizing original proposals to align with the business environment and the latest industry and policy keywords of the counterpart country.
- Support for Complex Internal Approval (Ringi) Processes: Accurately monitoring the complex decision-making processes unique to enterprises and institutions in both Japan and Korea to facilitate smooth consensus-building.
- Planning and Operation of Japan-Korea Online Exchange Meetings: Supporting the casting of appropriate participants and the operation of online exchange meetings between enterprises and partners in both countries.
- Practical Coordination for MOUs and Business Alliances: Executing meticulous schedule management and practical coordination to secure concrete business alliances and non-binding MOUs.
■ Future Outlook
By combining strategic vision with "on-site passion," we will realize an unprecedentedly strong ecosystem that directly and bidirectionally connects innovation and business in Japan and Korea, contributing to the sustainable development of both nations.