ITC, KTPA to support digital transformation of small business in developing countries

The Korea Technopark Association (KTPA) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), a United Nations agency, signed a Letter of Intent to promote the digital transformation of manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries, starting with Kenya. The institutions will work closely together to develop joint initiatives that favour small business skills, technology transfer and foster innovation.

The partnership is a response to the need of adapting businesses’ production operations in the context of the fourth industrial revolution. By sharing Korean experiences and best practices, ‘the Korea Technopark Operational Model’, or K-TP Model in short, will serve as an innovative ecosystem that will promote partnerships between government, industry, Research and Development institutions, and academia.

Among the joint initiatives under the Letter of Intent is the implementation of Technoparks in developing countries, strengthening the innovation and technology ecosystems in developing countries, and creating linkages between Korean institutions and businesses in developing countries.

As its first initiative, ITC and KTPA, supported by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups of Republic of Korea, commit to support the digital transformation of Kenyan manufacturing SMEs and energizing Kenya’s industrial innovation ecosystem.

Quotes

‘We are delighted to sign this partnership agreement with ITC. KTPA will contribute its knowledge and expertise in creating innovative ecosystems where manufacturing SMEs can flourish in developing countries, and by sharing Korean best practices, KTPA will contribute to the objective of the Government of Korea to help developing countries reach the Sustainable Development Goals.’

Youngjib Kim, Chairman, Korea Technopark Association

‘With this partnership, ITC strengthens its relationship with the Government of the Republic of Korea. ITC and KTPA will build on the strengths of each institution to support small businesses in developing countries on their digitalization journeys and in creating more resilient and robust economies.’

Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director, the International Trade Centre

About KTPA

The Korea Technopark Association (KTPA) as a non-profit, government-funded organization in the Republic of Korea is dedicated to improving competitiveness of local SMEs and revitalize the local economy through innovative collaboration among central-local governments, industry, R&D institutions, and academia. KTPA has a network hub of 19 Technoparks nationwide with around 3,200 employees. KTPA has global experience in building Technoparks in Lao PDR, Uzbekistan and Colombia. It also provides various global training programmes in Algeria, Botswana, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Georgia, Lao PDR, Paraguay, Rwanda, Tunisia, and Turkmenistan.

About The Ministry of SMEs and Startups

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups as a government organization in the Republic of Korea strengthens the competitiveness and innovation of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The Ministry aims to make and coordinate MSME policies and programmes, foster innovative and collaborative ecosystem, promote R&D investment, and develop start-ups and venture ecosystem.