In the last decade, a growing number of women entrepreneurs in the Asia-Pacific has reshaped the business landscape. Some women entrepreneurs successfully overcame obstacles to forge their own entrepreneurial paths. However, the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (2022) reports that on average women are less likely than men to start and succeed in businesses regardless of their […]
Since the Industry 4.0 concept emerged, APO members have been undertaking digital transformation and establishing conducive ecosystems. One common strategy is promoting digitalization of manufacturing and SMEs with the assistance of technology providers, business advisers, research institutes, and other partners to create a conducive environment for digital transformation. As digital technologies become more affordable, industrial […]
SM refers to the integration of advanced technologies and data analytics into manufacturing to optimize productivity, efficiency, and quality. An APO assessment of SM in 2020 found that the industrial structures of most members posed challenges for the transition to Industry 4.0. It is hard for MSMEs to define the starting point for the SM […]
The value of agricultural production in APO members has reached approximately USD 1 trillion in recent years (FAO, 2021). Progress in R&D by agricultural research institutes and organizations has played an important role in supporting continuous growth in production and productivity in the sector. Agricultural Knowledge and Information Systems (AKIS) support the sharing of knowledge […]
The pandemic changed how service is provided in the retail industry. SMEs make up a large portion of retailers in APO members, making the sector particularly vulnerable to disruptions. Some challenges may persist in the post-COVID-19 period, including reduced demand due to economic uncertainty, ongoing health and safety concerns, and need for investment in digital […]
