In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Fariza Abidova, CEO of Trusted Corporation, and a seasoned expert in cross-border innovation, corporate partnerships, and global HR development.
Fariza shares what’s really happening inside Japan’s corporate innovation ecosystem from the invisible blockers within large organizations to the cultural nuances that slow down high-potential projects. She dives into why open innovation often fails to scale, which Japanese cities are becoming more startup and innovation-friendly, and what kind of timeline expectations foreign partners should really have.
She also pulls back the curtain on hard truth facts as: after 3/4 years of running pilot innovation projects, many companies shut them down if revenue isn’t produced, regardless of long-term potential.
If you’re a startup founder, consultant, or part of a government innovation program working in or with Japan, this episode is your inside guide to navigating corporate innovation here.
AIM B2B – Integrated Marketing & PR in Asia This episode is sponsored by Custom Media, Tokyo’s leading integrated marketing and PR agency since 2008, helping global brands expand across Japan and APAC. They can help you with:
Localized storytelling to build trust in Asian markets
Strategic performance marketing for measurable growth
Account‑based marketing (ABM), paid media, GEO, and SEO
HubSpot‑certified CRM & marketing automation
Data‑driven implementation with cultural expertise
Show Notes:
00:00 – Introduction
03:05 – Why Accelerating Innovation in Japan
08:05 – Open Innovation
14:10 – Working with Japanese Corporations
19:45 – Innovation Challenges in Japanese Companies
23:05 – Secret Challenges Only Insiders Know
29:50 – How to Foster Innovation in Corporates
31:50 – Cities in Japan to Launch Innovation Projects
35:30 – Strategies for Accelerating Innovation
43:30 – Government Policy Shifts
50:10 – Tips for Engaging with Large Corporations
52:05 – Timelines: Japan vs Global
56:31 – Final Message from Fariza
Links from Guest Appearance: 🔗 Connect with Fariza Abidova on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/fariza-abidova/
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