Private Sector-Led Cooperation in Industrial Human Resource Development: The Case of the Association for Overseas Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Partnerships (AOTS)

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter focuses on the Association for Overseas Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Partnerships (AOTS), which has carried out training projects through public-private partnerships to meet the human resource development needs of private businesses investing overseas. This chapter compares AOTS with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). As discussed in Chap. 7, JICA has implemented ODA projects from the standpoint of diplomacy and international cooperation. In contrast, AOTS has supported the private sector in terms of investment and trade promotion. While JICA’s support has been affected by domestic and international socioeconomic and policy factors, AOTS has given the highest priority to private business needs and supported the gradual overseas expansion of Japanese companies by cultivating and supplying much-needed skilled workforces in developing countries. JICA has aimed to improve overall technological and industrial capacities in developing countries. On the other hand, AOTS has taken on the role of handing down practical technologies directly related to specialized fields required for the operations of Japanese enterprises that have advanced into overseas markets. The number of new intakes into AOTS training programs has decreased in recent years, but such trainee networks now extend globally. Therefore, AOTS Alumni Societies (AASs) in various countries create bridges between Japanese and local businesses for local human resource development and work together to develop new training programs.KeywordsTVETAOTSManufacturing industryIndustrial developmentJapanese private sectorManagement trainingTechnical trainingOverseas trainingRapid economic growthFDI