The Philippines has a young and vibrant population and they can be catalysts for economic development. While disruptive technologies and the changing innovation landscape in the world can present challenges, there is a huge opportunity for the Philippines to empower its citizens to become entrepreneurs with the right ecosystem.

Embodying the principles of collaboration, Secretary Lopez, together with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Development (STRIDE) program, are undertaking an assessment of innovation ecosystems that nurture more innovative MSMEs that create high value products and services.

The program included engagements with founders and innovators from the startup ecosystem of Silicon Valley such as the Plug and Play Tech Center and Global Silicon Valley accelerators as well as discussions with the Science and Technology Advisory Council –Silicon Valley.♦