經濟部陳正祺政務次長、菲律賓貿工部Lantayona次長、經濟部中小企業處胡貝蒂副處長及與會貴賓於APEC跨域創新生態系國際論壇合影

To promote the development of cross-domain innovation ecosystems in combination with digital platforms so as to enhance the competitiveness of SMEs, Chinese Taipei co-proposed the "APEC Cross-Domain Innovation Ecosystem Initiative: Facilitating the Inclusive Growth of SMEs through Digital Platforms across the APEC Region" with the Philippines. The Small and Medium Enterprise Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs co-hosted the "APEC Cross-Domain Innovation Ecosystem Forum" online on 25 August with Bureau of Economic Development of Kaohsiung City Government and Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines, in which delegations of APEC economies, best practices of cross-domain innovation ecosystem, and start-ups were invited to participate. The forum invited best practices from Chinese Taipei and APEC economies to demonstrate their innovative products and services in a virtual exhibition center, which was also the highlight of the event.

In addition to Policy Dialogue, three topics were discussed in this forum, including the establishment of digital platforms, the integration of domain talents and collaborating for internationalization among leading firms and SMEs. All these topics also emphasized the SME's recovery from the pandemic, and how the linkage through interoperable digital platforms across the APEC economies will contribute to the cross-sector and cross-border cooperation. Furthermore, this forum also aimed at the best practices and knowledge sharing of related to the cross-domain innovation ecosystem to help SMEs in digital transformation and expanding global markets. 

Promoting SME's Participation in Digital through Cross-Domain Innovation

The forum was kicked off by Mr. Chern-Chyi Chen, Deputy Minister of Ministry of Economic Affairs and Ms. Blesila A. Lantayona, Undersecretary of Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines. Deputy Minister Chen stated that the cross-domain innovation ecosystem initiative echoes the 2021 APEC theme "Join, Work, Grow, Together" and the priority areas of inclusive and sustainable growth, and innovation-oriented business environment that have been stressed by APEC economies in these years. Deputy Minister Chen also pointed out the importance of utilizing interoperable platforms under the global trend of digital economy. It will facilitate cross-sector cooperation, and the gathering and exchange of knowledge. For example, rapidly developing 5G Open-RAN, depending on virtual general purpose software framework, in recent years has become new forms of open telecommunication networks that allows more SMEs to enter the market and share business opportunities. It is another best practice of cross-domain cooperation and open innovation.

The Philippines highly values this forum that in addition to the opening remarks was delegated to Undersecretary Lantayona, then the keynote speech was delegated to Undersecretary Aldaba. The Philippines side pointed out that it's meaningful to hold this event during the pandemic and stressed the importance of the cross-domain innovation ecosystem for SME's sustainable development. Through the initiative and the event, SME's opportunities and challenges during the pandemic and in the era of digital economy are further discovered. Besides, Jhen-Yuan Gao, Deputy Director General of Economic Development Bureau of Kaohsiung City Government shared the experience of city government on the policy measures of promoting cross-domain innovation and assisting local SMEs to participate in global market.

Instead of vertical integration of the upper and lower streams of the supply chain, the cross-domain innovation ecosystem pays more attention to cross-sector cooperation and market linkages through value integrator cultivation so that members in the ecosystem can mutually benefit and expand market share through new product and services innovation that reveals new value. The forum is expected to facilitate strategic thinking and business models formation in a new ecosystem, to further promote the revitalization of innovative, inclusive and sustainable development and post-pandemic recovery of APEC member economies.

Please click the link below for further information. All the SMEs are welcome to participate in this online forum and its one-month virtual exhibition. https://apec-cdie-forum-2021.com.tw/

For further details, or to arrange possible media interviews, please contact:

Ms. Betty Hu
Deputy Director General, Small and Medium Enterprise Administration, MOEA
02-2368-0816#202
dbhu@moea.gov.tw

Ms. Yi-Chun Chen
Section Chief, Policy Planning Division, Small and Medium Enterprise Administration, MOEA
02-2366-2251
ycc@moea.gov.tw