Meet: Francis Perrin, 18 Havas Seoul/Tokyo
Korea and Japan are interesting areas for technologies such as smart ledger, blockchain, and distributed infrastructures
“Tokyo is a fascinating platform for urban innovation. The quality of local infrastructures as well as the high level of acceptance of emerging technologies by the local population accelerate the propagation of new digital services.”
Where do you come from and how did you end up working at 18?
I discovered computers in the early ‘80s, with the arrival of an Apple II at my house. Incidentally, it opened the doors of Bulletin Board Systems and emerging online services to me. I have been actively involved in digital innovation and new technologies since then.
After several digital activities in startups and large corporations, I moved to Japan at the golden age of the mobile industry. I developed business intelligence activities related to the broadband mobile industry and the emergence of local digital leaders. In 2013, I had the opportunity in Tokyo to organize a set of workshops that gave me the chance to engage with Havas, and later contributed to the launch of 18 activities in Northern Asia.
What’s the most exciting innovation on the market now? What is defining the next 18 months to you?
I am fascinated by the deep integration of technologies in Asian cities. Tokyo, and its 14 million inhabitants, is a fascinating platform for urban innovation. The quality of local infrastructures as well as the high level of acceptance of emerging technologies by the local population accelerate the propagation of new digital services. Currently, both Korea and Japan are interesting areas for technologies such as smart ledger, blockchain, and distributed infrastructures. These technologies are gradually generating interest in a wide number of Industries. They have the potential to impact many business models and process efficiency, including within the media and content industries.
I would also include the emergence of 5G experiences that will be showcased during the 2018 Winter Olympics Games in Korea and later during the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. It will offer radically new ways to enjoy sports content.
What’s a great example of innovative marketing in your opinion?
I am impressed by the success of LINE Official Accounts. The company managed to turn its communication platform into the preferred channel for brands to connect with customers. They recently released an AI platform to help corporate clients implement conversational bots. The initiative will turn those B2C channels into valuable assets for aggregating marketing data, which will lead to further innovation.
What’s your favorite TV series, movie, video game, or music?
I would list Philip K. Dick for his influence on filmmakers, with a special mention to Blade Runner.
