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* Atleast Project Title is Required.
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Project No. |
SME 01 2021
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Project Title |
Ready for the 'Next Normal': How MSMEs should Adapt to an Evolving Market Landscape
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Project Status |
Completed Project
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Publication (if any) |
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Fund Account |
General Project Account
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Sub-fund |
None
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Project Year |
2021
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Project Session |
Session 1
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APEC Funding |
83,678
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Co-funding Amount |
4,725
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Total Project Value |
88,403
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Sponsoring Forum |
Small and Medium Enterprises Working Group (SMEWG)
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Topics |
Small and Medium Enterprises
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Committee |
SOM Steering Committee on Economic and Technical Cooperation (SCE)
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Other Fora Involved |
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Other Non-APEC Stakeholders Involved |
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Proposing Economy(ies) |
Thailand
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Co-Sponsoring Economies |
Brunei Darussalam; Korea; Malaysia; New Zealand; Peru; Singapore; Chinese Taipei
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Expected Start Date |
01/12/2021
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Expected Completion Date |
31/12/2022
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Project Proponent Name 1 |
Rupporn Hongskul
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Job Title 1 |
Senior SME Policy Analyst
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Organization 1 |
The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion
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Postal Address 1 |
Not Applicable
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Telephone 1 |
(66-2) 22983230
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Fax 1 |
Not Applicable
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Email 1 |
rupporn@sme.go.th
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Project Proponent Name 2 |
Not Applicable
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Job Title 2 |
Not Applicable
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Organization 2 |
Not Applicable
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Postal Address 2 |
Not Applicable
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Telephone 2 |
Not Applicable
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Fax 2 |
Not Applicable
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Email 2 |
Not Applicable
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Declaration |
Rupporn Hongskul
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Project Summary |
COVID-19 caused not only significant economic global impact, but has also changed the market landscape, particularly consumer purchasing behaviours. MSMEs are crucial to the socio-economic development of APEC economies, yet a large number remain “low-technology”, are digitally excluded or out-dated. This limits their capacity to adapt to evolving consumer purchasing trends. This project will discuss cutting edge market insights, enabling non-competitive MSMEs to adapt to post-pandemic ‘Next Normal’ consumer behaviours, and governments to identify MSME support mechanisms under the new market landscape. This will provide a pathway for sustainable and inclusive economic recovery, particularly for MSMEs operated by women and vulnerable populations. Key project activities include a two-day APEC workshop in Thailand in September 2022, discussing ‘Next Normal’ consumer trends, report providing guidance enabling MSMEs to define and plan digital customer engagement strategies, complemented by recommended regulations and actions for policymakers and industry to stimulate recovery and resilience among MSMEs.
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Relevance |
Relevance – Region: COVID-19 has had a drastic economic impact globally. The APEC region’s economy is on course to contract by 2.5 percent in 2021, with a loss in output worth USD 1.8 trillion - the first time that the region’s economy will contract in three decades. Amidst the pandemic, the world has undergone economic and societal changes affecting domestic and international trade. Importantly, consumers also exhibit distinctive changes in their behaviour from pre-COVID-19, and in all aspects of their lives; the way they work, learn, communicate, shop, and take care of themselves. This has affected businesses of all sizes. However, MSMEs, considered a backbone of APEC economies, are extremely vulnerable to this disruption threat. Closing businesses among MSMEs impact not only the economy but also household life, placing a strain on the business confidence and wellbeing of a large percentage of society. Entrepreneurs, becoming increasingly concerned about continuing economic impacts from COVID-19 , are struggling to make their businesses survive or to hatch new business ventures. Conditions are often more difficult for women-led businesses. The pandemic has been a disruptive force, pushing companies to adapt business models to respond to changing consumer behaviour trends. As highlighted in the Joint Ministerial Statement of the 31st APEC Ministerial Meeting 2020 “the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the role of digital economy, transformation and technology in sustaining economic growth”, and its importance building resilience of MSMEs. The need for digital adoption, and adaptation to new business models among MSMEs, to accommodate changing consumer behaviour, is evident. Some MSMEs have successfully navigated this ‘new normal,’ not only surviving during the economic downturn, but creating growth opportunities. The project will present a structured and systematic analysis and presentation of successful MSME-led business strategies that have emerged as a result of COVID-19, and provide models for replication and scale-up. The workshop will capture steps that MSMEs can take under the post-COVID-19 ‘next normal’, and identify supportive regulations and guidance on recovery and resilience by policymakers and industry. Relevance – Eligibility and Fund Priorities: The project is eligible for the General Project Account (GPA) and is well aligned with GPA funding priorities for 2021 ‘Increasing Inclusion and Sustainability for Recovery’. The overarching focus of the project is on pursuing digital consumer-focused responses to a post-COVID-19 pandemic recovery, adopting an inclusive approach to ensure MSMEs are able to fully participate in driving economic recovery across APEC economies, and exacerbating financial vulnerability as a result from the economic impacts of COVID-19. Relevance – Capacity Building: A critical element of a prosperous APEC is that growth is inclusive, that APEC developing member economies as a whole have the same opportunity of economic participation in the region, and that projects address the needs of MSMEs, in particular those who are more vulnerable to disruption threats such as COVID-19. Inclusion and sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and applying digital approaches to accelerate recovery are key APEC themes in 2021. Complementing projects from APEC economies that highlight digital transformation and digital competitiveness as a key to recovery, and recognizing the economic and well-being impacts resulting from the pandemic, this project will further emphasize inclusive recovery, by sharing knowledge and best practices to ensure non-competitive MSMEs can adapt to changes through measures and policies. Accordingly, it is well aligned with the APEC’s goals for capacity building, in particular i) to attain sustainable growth and equitable development in the Asia-Pacific region; ii) to reduce economic disparities among APEC economies; iii) to improve the economic and social well-being of the people; and iv) to deepen the spirit of community in the Asia Pacific. The project will directly benefit MSMEs in developing APEC economies by supporting them to understand how COVID-19 has disrupted previous consumer purchasing behaviours, and how to adopt new business models. In light of the project theme on “Next Normal”, it will focus on sustainable recovery, which has taken on ever greater importance under COVID-19, when many people, particularly women and vulnerable populations, have been driven back into poverty, and where a more sustainable response in production and consumer patterns are needed, with support from both business and government. The project will also assist in developing capacities of policy makers, providing benefits to all developing member economies to be an active partner in the road to recovery, highlighting how stakeholders can support non-competitive MSMEs to adapt to changes through measures and policies. The project provides policymakers with the latest market trends, specifically consumer trends, which affect MSMEs in all economies. This allows participants to learn marketing perspectives, and leverage consumer trends as foundation for the analysis of issues of MSME policy, resulting in more effective and efficient government intervention. |
Objectives |
The objective is to build the capacity of MSMEs to adapt their trade practices, particularly digital transformation, in response to the changing market landscape resulting from COVID-19. It will raise awareness among MSMEs of best practices in adapting to a post-pandemic “Next Normal”, presenting business opportunities emerging from changing consumer behaviours, and restoring confidence among MSMEs of post-pandemic business growth prospects. For governments, it will identify supportive regulations and actions that can be adopted, presented through guidance provided as part of the project report. |
Alignment |
Alignment - APEC: The project supports APEC’s effort to achieve the Putrajaya Vision 2040, gearing towards the economic driver ‘Strong, Balanced, Secure, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth’. It builds upon the 2020 APEC SME Ministerial Statement whereby the SME Ministers are committed to helping MSMEs navigate the new normal by developing resilient MSMEs and building a future of economic prosperity. The SMEMM specifically states ‘under the current circumstances, we will continue to address uncertainties and challenges, and find new opportunities to ensure APEC economies are on the right path to recovery and resilience’. In order to drive inclusive economic and social recovery, and committed by the SME Ministers, the project is aligned with La Serena Roadmap for Women and Inclusive Growth by supporting ‘women’s education, training and skills development and access in a changing world of work.’ Furthermore, the project is aligned with the Boracay Action Agenda to Globalize MSMEs Action Point 6 ‘Expand internationalization opportunities for micro and small enterprises providing goods and services through ICT and e-commerce,’ and Action Point 8 ‘Strengthen focus on MSMEs led by women.’ Alignment – Forum: This project directly aligns to the Priority Areas of the SMEWG Strategic Plan 2021–2024. Under Priority Area 1 ‘Entrepreneurship, innovation, and start-ups’, the project will contribute to SMEWG’s objectives to strengthening competitiveness of MSME and promote entrepreneurship and business development opportunities, especially inclusive of women, youth-led and other traditionally-disadvantaged communities. It will provide guidance and best practice examples of new business models that align to consumer patterns that are likely to define that post-COVID-19 economic recovery, that can be understood and taken up by MSMEs that may otherwise be excluded from participating. Under Priority Area 3 ‘Inclusive capability development towards digitalization’, the project takes into account the accelerated digital disruption by the COVID-19 pandemic, and will empower APEC entrepreneurs and the workforce towards improved business skills in the digital economy and increased digital transformation and adoption by SMEs, especially women, youth-led and other traditionally-disadvantaged communities. This includes understanding on gaps in digital tools and training needed to enable MSMEs from all backgrounds to use digital technology to increase their participation in cross-border trade. |
TILF/ASF Justification |
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Beneficiaries and Outputs |
Outputs: 1. Pre-workshop research and Summary Report (8-10 pages) to provide background knowledge of the workshop issues and build the foundation of discussion a. Preliminary secondary (desk) research to build a robust foundation of information and identify best practices, on responding to demand side and supply side driven market changes across APEC economies in a post-COVID era b. Interviews with 3-5 key industry experts (e.g. representatives from international organisations including OECD, World Bank, ADB, UN) to confirm and elaborate on findings from preliminary research c. 8 – 10 page Summary Report to be shared among participants as pre-workshop materials, alongside the Information Circular and workshop agenda, to provide understanding about the workshop topics, refer to best practices, and prepare to maximise learning outcomes during the workshop. Report will contain an Executive Summary, sections on current and predicted future trends of global and regional consumer behaviour, challenges and opportunities for MSMEs, and examples of best practice approaches from MSMEs in adapting to market changes, highlighted by summary of case studies 2. 2-day Workshop 45 participants (including 20 travel-eligible and 8 experts). Participants include MSME policymakers, business leaders, academics, and MSME association representatives to learn about best practices for adapting business models to respond to changing consumer behaviour trends, and benefit from interaction through discussions with experts. The workshop will use presentations, case studies, moderated panel discussions and interactive sessions to provide an engaging experience for participants. a. Workshop agenda and list of speakers based on workshop themes Tentative agenda: Day 1: “Future of the Market: trends and the new reality” · Welcome Speech · Keynote Address: APEC MSMEs and the Next Normal · Panel Discussion: Evolving trends in consumer behaviours and impact on MSME domestic and internationalization (by consumer research consultants) . Panel Discussion points: i) How consumer behaviours are changing during and post-COVID ii) Impact on different industries and MSMEs in the industries iii) Opportunities/ challenges for MSMEs internationalization . Panel Discussion session output: Recommendations on MSME and trade policy support amidst changing market · Thematic topic session: Scenario planning for predicting future business landscape (by technical and industry experts) . Presentation and session discussion points: i) How scenario planning is used in business especially MSMEs ii) Why scenario planning is crucial to business recovery and resilience iii) How MSMEs can improve their scenario planning/business foresight practices . Session output: Recommendations on policymaking preparations to address uncertain and complex future developments for MSMEs . Panel Discussion: How traditional MSMEs can leverage digital technology to thrive in the disrupted world (by business leaders and academia) . Panel Discussion points: i) How digital technology can be used to help build MSME recovery and resilience ii) How to promote the use of digital technology among traditional MSMEs, and MSMEs owned by women and people from vulnerable populations . Session output: Recommendations and best practices for digital transformation for MSMEs Day 2: “Government policy actions for sustainable, inclusive growth” · Presentation: Case studies of MSMEs adopting new business models or digital transformation to fend off COVID-19 impact (by selected APEC economies). Case studies collected through three channels: 1) During pre-workshop research, project team search for cases; 2) Through consultations with industry experts (e.g. representatives from international organisations including OECD, World Bank, ADB, UN) as part of the pre-workshop research; 3) Through seeking contributions of case study examples from APEC economies to be presented as the Day 2 case study presentations. Case study final selection will be made between the contractor and PO and in discussion with the workshop’s expert facilitator. . Presentation points: i) What determines a successful business model or digital transformation? ii) Pros and cons of these business models or digital transformation, using cases from policy perspective · Round table: Winning business model amidst and after crisis (by industry experts and academics) . Round table points: i) Discussion on the themes presented through the previous case studies session ii) How APEC SME policymakers can drive the success of business models or digital transformation . Session output: Best practice case studies selected from the session and recommendations for policymakers to drive business models or digital transformation success · Moderated discussion: Government-led actions to support inclusive recovery and resilience through innovation and digital transformation (by policymakers) . Discussion points: i) Discussion on the themes presented through the ii) Identify priority policy challenges for driving MSMEs inclusive recovery and resilience through innovation and digital transformation iii) What are further steps for APEC SMEWG and APEC economies? iv) Define regulations and guidance for policymakers and industry on recovery and resilience for MSMEs in APEC economies . Session output: Draft recommendations and guidance for the future · Closing Remarks b. Participant survey to assess satisfaction and understanding of knowledge from the event 3. Project Report (30-35 pages) will be published as an APEC publication and presented to the SME Working Group for endorsement. a. Summary of discussions and presentations made at the workshop, including best practices and recommendations from the workshop for MSME policy makers b. Report will contain an Executive Summary; Pre-workshop research summary; Conference Summary; Keynote Address; Discussion Summary (key takeaways from all panel/round table discussions); Policy Recommendations; Conference Survey Results c. Review by APEC Secretariat d. Circulation for endorsement from SME Working Group Outcomes: 1. Increased understanding among participants, particularly from developing economies, about the key issues, challenges and opportunities to inclusively promote MSME resilience and recovery post-COVID-19 2. Policy recommendations on enabling inclusive recovery and resilience for MSMEs through innovation and digital transformation Beneficiaries: The workshop aims to engage 45 participants from APEC member economies including MSME policymakers, researchers and academics, business leaders, and representatives from the private sector and from MSME associations. The APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) and other collaborative APEC fora (e.g. the Digital Economy Steering Group (DESG) and the Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy (PPWE)) will be invited to participate along with representatives from international social and economic development agencies and research institutions (e.g. WTO, OECD and UNESCAP). The key audience are MSME policymakers involved in the strategic planning and implementation of policies and interventions for promoting MSME capacity building, especially productivity and market access. Representatives of the relevant government agencies will be decision makers or from managerial levels in relevant units. The project will provide policymakers with the latest market trends, specifically consumer trends, which affect MSMEs in all economies. This allows participants to learn marketing perspectives, and leverage consumer trends as foundation for the analysis of issues of MSME policy, resulting in more effective and efficient government intervention. Experts from government, research institutions, academia, and industry leaders from APEC economies will share their knowledge on consumer trends and supportive trade regulations and economic alliances. The workshop will benefit all participants, domestically and regionally. Participants will contribute to the workshop in nominating and sharing cases from MSMEs, participating in discussions and contributing to defining recommendations. The project overseer will work, in consultation with policy and industry experts, to develop a list of presenters, panellists, moderators and facilitators that will benefit APEC participants. Workshop stakeholders will be engaged actively through available communication channels to ensure mutual understanding of workshop concepts prior to and during the workshop. |
Dissemination |
A project report containing the list of key recommendations will be submitted as an APEC publication following the workshop. The report will be distributed electronically at the next meeting of the SMEWG as well as made available to concerned government agencies. The results will also be made available online through the website of the APEC SMEWG. Target audience: SME policy makers, including Ministries of Finance, Ministries of Industry, Ministries of Commerce, SME Promotion Agencies, Boards of Trade and Investment, MSMEs in developed and developing APEC economies intending to expand and enhance e-commerce operations. To ensure that the project is able to achieve broad dissemination of the workshop outcomes, best practices, lessons learned and recommendations from the workshop among MSMEs across the APEC economies, the project will circulate the project report among the Ministries of Commerce, SME Promotion Agencies and MSME networks of each APEC economy. Additionally, representatives of MSME associations participating in the workshop will be required to share among the MSME network members of their association in their host economy the findings and outcomes from the workshop, and information on where documents and information about the workshop can be accessed. APEC Guidelines (IP, Publications, Logo and Sponsorship where applicable) will be followed for all documents and publications produced for dissemination during and following the workshop. There is no intention to sell outputs arising from this project. |
Gender |
| Targets | | Female Participants (%) | 50% | | Female Speakers/Experts (%) | 40-50% | Referring to the Guide on Gender Criteria for APEC Project Proposals in the Guidebook on APEC Projects, please tick the pillar or pillars that this project supports, in promoting women’s economic empowerment: | | 5 Pillars (you may tick more than one) | | 1 | Access to Capital and Assets | | | 2 | Access to Markets | X | | 3 | Skills, Capacity Building, and Health | X | | 4 | Leadership, Voice and Agency | X | | 5 | Innovation and Technology | X | The project is aware of critical role of women in the economy. With women given equal opportunity in economic participation, there could be an increase of GDP by 30%.[1] In spite of their economic significance during the time of the pandemic, women face greater economic and social impact[2]. Therefore, the project is designed with gender-inclusivity, expecting a minimum of 50% MSMEs participants are women, including women entrepreneurs with disadvantages and vulnerability to poverty. Female expert/ speakers will be between 40-50% of all expert/ speakers. In order to promote and encourage women participation, the project will require number of MSMEs representatives from each economy to be gender-balanced. As for expert/speaker, they will be handpicked to achieve the targeted ratio. When the PO consults experts in preparation of the workshop, female experts and gender-specific issues will be included. By adopting gender-sensitive planning, the project ensures women’s challenges will be addressed in event discussions and workshops. Taking into account APEC’s commitment to promoting women’s economic empowerment, the project embraces women-related elements in workshop topics. Discussing the future consumers, domestic and international, the topic addresses barriers to market access. It includes women-owned business as a vulnerable group of MSMEs and will discuss their use of digital technology, promoting digital skills and capacity. Voices and inspiration from female business owners will be promoted through selection of women-owned businesses as case studies. Furthermore, the policymaker discussion will lead actions to support resilience through innovation and digital transformation for MSMEs, with gender-specific factors highlighted. Thus, the project will thoroughly contribute to four of five pillars: Access to Markets; Skills, Capacity Building, and Health; Leadership, Voice and Agency; and Innovation and Technology. Women and men will equally benefit from the priority capacity building dimensions of the project. Finally, the project will collect sex-disaggregated data of expert/speakers, policymakers, academic and MSMEs participants, analyze impact of the project on women, and report gender-related results to APEC for future work on improving gender equality of the region. |
Work Plan |
| No. | Time | Tasks | Deliverables | | 1 | Dec 2021-Jan 2022 | Procurement for project contractor | | | 1.1 | Dec 2021 | Write and circulate ToR for contractors | Final contractor ToR | | 1.2 | Jan 2022 | Review contractor proposal submissions and make contractor selection | Contractor selected and contract signed | | 2 | Feb 2022 | Finalise workplan | Final workplan | | 3 | Mar-Jun 2022 | Conduct Pre-workshop research and summary report | | | 3.1 | Mar 2022 | Arrange interviews with key industry experts | Interview schedule | | 3.2 | Apr 2022 | Conduct interviews with key industry experts | Interview minutes | | 3.3 | Apr-May 2022 | Consult member economies and industry experts for nominated case studies | Case studies | | 3.4 | May-Jun 2022 | Write summary report on topic background and tentative case studies | Final summary report | | | 1 Apr 2022 | Submit APEC Project Monitoring Report to APEC Secretariat | APEC Project Monitoring Report | | 4 | May-Aug 2022 | Workshop preparation | | | 4.1 | May-Jun 2022 | Prepare draft workshop agenda | Draft workshop agenda | | 4.2 | May-Jun 2022 | Draft Participants and Speakers List and Invitations | Identified and invited Speakers List and Invitation (electronic copy in MS Word) | | 4.3 | May-Jun 2022 | Review workshop delivery format to assess requirement to change workshop format from in-person to fully virtual | Decision communicated to Program Director | | 4.4 | Jun-Aug 2022 | Prepare logistical arrangements for hotel | Hotel confirmed for workshop | | 4.5 | Jun 2022 | Finalise the General Information Circular including pre-workshop summary report, agenda | General Information Circular finalised | | 4.6 | Jul 2022 | Distribute General Information Circular and invitations to participants and speakers | Final General Information Circular distributed | | 4.7 | Jul 2022 | Follow-up on participants and speakers for confirmation | Confirmed list of invited participants | | 4.8 | Jul 2022 | Finalize list of participants and re-send invitations for those not available | Final list of invited participants | | 4.9 | Jul-Aug 2022 | Gather speaker presentations/reports | Speakers presentations/reports | | 4.10 | Aug 2022 | Connect moderators and panel members to prepare panel session discussion points and review moderator questions | Speaker presentations | | 4.11 | Aug 2022 | Reconfirm all speakers and participants | Final speakers and participant list | | 4.12 | Aug 2022 | Distribute final meeting agenda to participants and speakers | Workshop agenda, Workshop materials | | 5 | Sep-Oct 2022 | Conduct workshop and post-workshop follow up | | | 5.1 | Sep 2022 | Hold 2-day workshop in Phuket, Thailand | 2-day Workshop held | | 5.2 | Sep 2022 | Provide secretarial support for workshop | Minutes of workshop | | 5.3 | Sep 202 | Distribute and collect post-workshop surveys | Completed post-seminar surveys | | 5.4 | Sep 2022 | Provide meeting minutes in Thai and English following the workshop | Meeting Minutes in Thai and English (electronic/hardcopy in MS Word) | | 5.5 | Sep 2022 | Compile post-workshop surveys | Follow-up survey results | | 6 | Sep-Oct 2022 | Project report writing and dissemination | | | 6.1 | Sep-Oct 2022 | Draft Project Report | Draft report | | 6.2 | 1 Nov 2022 | Submit Project Report to Secretariat to review and thereafter to SMEWG to endorse | Project Report submitted for review | | 7 | February 2023 | Submit APEC Project Completion Report and supporting documents to APEC Secretariat | APEC Project Completion Report | | 8 | June 2023 | Participate in the Long-Term Evaluation of APEC Projects survey conducted by the Secretariat | |
Risks |
| Risk | Management Strategy | | Continued health and economic challenges amidst COVID-19 including the inability to host physical event with continued travel restrictions | Project team will adopt procedures for hosting a hybrid event, with virtual options in the case of continued travel restrictions | | Finding knowledgeable and engaging speakers, experts and moderators for topics in hand | Hold early consultations with internal team and APEC economies to identify suitable speakers, to ensure their availability, and give time to select suitable alternatives if any first choice speakers cannot attend | | Low attendance rate of the funded participants | The project team will start the invitation process as early as possible. The team will also notify of the workshop through active communication with the network of MSMEs by searching and identifying targeted participants | | Low ratio of women speakers and participants | In addition to careful selection and invitation to ensure a balanced gender ratio of experts/speakers, the project team will identify channels to promote the workshop through networks of women entrepreneurs or organisations that promote women’s economic particiption | | Low interest among business leading in participation and among policy makers in implementing recommendations | Engage business leaders with a specific interest in emerging APEC economies and inclusive post-COVID recovery strategies Conducting pre-workshop consultations with high-level government stakeholders to ensure buy-in | | Action is not taken on recommendations | Identification of key proponents for the project in each APEC member economy through high-level networking and buy-in prior to the event Engagement of high-level speakers with strong ties to both the policy level and the private sector to drive buy-in at the event and afterwards Participation and engagement of relevant government agencies, MSME leaders that have valuable experience, academic institutions, research centres, to set up a high-level task forces to drive the implementation of recommendations | | MSMEs are unable to capitalize on the changes despite policy recommendations being carried out | Building on the workshop, further capacity-building programs targeted directly at MSMEs in order to build their confidence to adapt the business model, and linking to opportunities for assistance once they take action to adapt operations | |
Monitoring and Evaluation |
The project success outcomes and outputs could be measured by the following indicators:
| Outputs/ Outcomes | Evaluation Focus | Indicators | Target Goals | Evaluation Method | Reporting | | Outputs | 1) Pre-workshop research and summary report | 1. Contract executed | 31 Jan 2022 | Certification by PO | Contract | | 2. No. of experts consulted | 4 | Certification by PO | Completion Report | | 3. No. of best practices identified | 4 | Certification by PO | Completion Report | | 4. No. of pages of summary report | 8-10 | Certification by PO | Email to the Secretariat | | 2) 2-day Workshop | 5. No. of key industry experts interviewed | 8 | Event Attendance List | Completion Report | | 6. No. of attending economies participating in the Workshop | 21 | Event Attendance List | Completion Report | | 7. No. of travel-eligible economies participating in the Workshop | 11 | Event Attendance List | Completion Report | | 8. % of participating men/women speaker | 60/40 | Event Attendance List | Completion Report | | 9. % of participating men/women | 50/50 | Event Attendance List | Completion Report | | 3) Project Report | 10. No. of pages | 30-35 | Certification by PO | Email to the Secretariat | | 11. Submission to the Secretariat | 1 Nov 2022 | Submission to the Secretariat | Email to the Secretariat | | Outcomes | 1) Participants knowledge and understanding of post-pandemic market scenario and case studies | 1. % of participants report knowledge increase | 75% | Ex-ante and ex-post evaluations | Completion Report | | 2. Developing APEC economies report knowledge increase | 25% | Ex-ante and ex-post evaluations | Completion Report | | 3. Women participants report knowledge increase | 33# | Ex-ante and ex-post evaluations | Completion Report | | 2) Policy recommendations on MSMEs inclusive recover and resilience through innovation and digital transformation | 4. No. of policy recommendations made | No fewer than 5 recommendations | Certification by PO | Completion Report | | 5. Government initiatives made from policy recommendations | 2021 to 2022 | Tracking economies six months after event | Report to Working Group The APEC longer-term evaluation of APEC Projects |
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Linkages |
Given that there are multiple fora and sub-fora working within APEC, cross-fora collaboration is recognized as key principle to achieve sustainable and efficient development partnership. The project aligns strategic goals of the Small and Medium Enterprises Working Group (SMEWG) with strategic development areas of other groups such as the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC); and the Digital Economy Steering Group (DESG) under the Committee on Trade and Investment (CTI). The project upholds cross-for a collaboration within the Steering Committee on Economic and Technical Cooperation (SCE). It particularly complements the Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy (PPWE)’s initiatives and facilitation of empowering women in trade and investment. The project will also promote collaboration with international social and economic development agencies (e.g. WTO, OECD and UNESCAP) in promoting MSMEs by inviting them to participate in the workshop. Results from the workshop will be shared with relevant groups post-event. Several initiatives were proposed to support APEC policymakers and MSMEs during the pandemic-infused uncertainty. This project complements a Chinese Taipei’s ongoing initiative of promoting trade by utilising digital technology, and reshaping business models particularly in the MICE industry by exploring COVID-accelerated digital business model across other industries. It also complements Chinese Taipei’s current project, which promote cross-domain innovation ecosystem and MSMEs competitiveness by painting picture of the evolving markets. In addition, it builds on the recent Australia’s capacity building project that addresses barriers to access global markets for women. It gives more insights to female entrepreneurs to be equally competitive in the global markets, and empower them to share their inspiring success and voices to the world. |
Sustainability |
Several steps will be taken to ensure sustainability for the project. With Thailand’s Office of Small and Medium Enterprise as the lead agency: 1) The recommendations agreed upon at the workshop will be proposed to the various concerned fora – the SMEWG, ABAC, and CTI – in order to ensure maximum profile and catalyze policy change. The project will also consult with ABAC to design concrete follow-up events 2) Member economies will be requested to appoint one key agency each to be project champion and nominate a representative to track the implementation of the recommendations in each economy. The representative will report on progress with the implementation of recommendations by providing a summary to be presented at the SME Working Group meeting. |
Project Overseers |
The PO will be Ms. Rupporn Hongskul, Senior SMEs Policy Analyst, Multilateral Cooperation Division, International Cooperation Department, Office of SMEs Promotion (OSMEP), Thailand. She has been in significantly involved in Multilateral Cooperation, including leading as Thailand’s OSMEP representative in the APEC SME Working Group. Ms. Hongskul has successfully managed and carried out several research projects with international research teams, and is currently working to support Thailand’s role in APEC SMEWG. |
Cost Efficiency |
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Drawdown Timetable |
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Direct Labour |
| Tasks | No. of Hours (8 hours a day) | Amount
(US$) | | 1) Conduct secondary research | 40 hours @ 80/hour | 3,200 | | 2) Arrange/conduct interviews with key industry experts 3) Write up interview notes | 24 hours @ 80/hour | 1,920 | | 4) Draft and revise Summary Report (Pre-Workshop Survey of 8-10 pages) 5) Draft and revised Project Report (25-30 pages) | 32 hours @ 80/hour 60 hours @ 80/hour | 2,560 4,800 | | 6) Develop workshop agenda, review and finalise with PO | 20 hours @ 20/hour @40/hour | 400
800 | | 7) Develop participant criteria and announcements to invite participants 8) Identify proposed list of speakers for approval by PO, write and circulate invitations 9) Follow up with identified speakers to secure commitment to speak at workshop/confirming attendance 10) Follow up on participants for availability/confirming attendance | 80 hours @ 20/hour 40 hours @20/hour 40 hours @40/hour | 1,600
800 + 1600 = 2400 | | 11) Contact hotel and secure meeting venue | 16 hours @ 20/hour | 320 | | 12) Gather speaker presentations/reports, provide comment on format/content | 24 hours @ 20/hour @40/hour | 480
960 | | 13) Draft workshop Admin Circular | 10 hours @ 20/hour | 200 | | 14) Finalise and print workshop materials, design and arrange backdrop materials other workshop resources and final logistics preparations | 24 hours @ 20/hour | 480 | | 15) Facilitate 2-day workshop | 16 hours @ 20/hour @80/hour by contractor | 320
1280 | | 16) Distribute and collect post-workshop surveys | 5 hours @ 20/hour | 100 | | 17) Compile Workshop Surveys | 8 hours @ $20/hr @40/hour | 160
320 We have taken this task to be the compilation of the data from participant surveys, for inclusion in the Completion Report | | 18) Provide meeting minutes in Thai and English following the workshop: Please note that since the official working language of APEC is English, we can fund drafting of the meeting minutes into the English Language only. | 4 hours @ 20/hour @ $80/hour (drafting in English) 4 hours – to be self-funded by PO | 80 320
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Waivers |
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Are there any supporting document attached? |
No
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Attachments
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