Government pushes innovation strategy for RP competitiveness

To keep pace with the demands of globalization, the Philippines is undertaking an innovation strategy to ensure competitiveness of the country, its firms and its people.

The national strategy for innovation dubbed ‘Filipinnovation’ envisioned having a competitive workforce competent in producing value-added knowledge-based services for global standards and local firms borne out of constant innovations brought about by increased research and development by 2010.

It also aims to create public policy environment not only through executive, legislative and judiciary initiatives but also through local government programs.

“Improving the competencies of the labor force through education to match market demands locally and globally is the core of innovation,” it stressed.

The strategy noted that local companies need to harness the country’s advantage in the area of high technology exports, especially on products from semiconductor and electronics industries which figure prominently in the global supply chain.

This requires firms to innovate not only in product and service development but also throughout the entire business process.

“This means innovations are needed from raw material acquisition and delivery to product design and production to marketing and feedback in order to significantly lower operating costs, increase company revenues and satisfy changing consumer demand,” it stressed.

It also underscored the government’s role in ensuring the creation of physical and policy infrastructure vital in allowing individuals and firms to innovate.

The innovation strategy was mapped out by a steering committee composed of key stakeholders that are involved in fostering innovation in the country.

Among the government groups involved in the development of the National Innovation Strategy are the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, Department of Trade and Industry, Board of Investments, Department of Budget and Management, Commission on Higher Education, Development Academy of the Philippines and the National Economic and Development Authority.

On the other hand, private sector representatives are the Asian Institute of Management Policy Center, Advanced Research and Competency Development Institute.

The steering committee aims to advocate for the inclusion of innovation in the national competitiveness agenda. — Philexport News and Features