The Department of Science and Technology Ilocos Region (DOST Ilocos Region) through its Provincial Offices and Regional Program Management Office (RPMO) conducted Technology Needs Assessments (TNA) for twenty-five (25) Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Region 1 as part of the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).
The validation activities served as a critical step for enterprises seeking assistance under SETUP, DOSTโs flagship program aimed at enhancing industrial productivity, competitiveness, and innovation among local businesses.
During the assessments, the DOST team evaluated the firmsโ current production capacity, technology utilization, operational challenges, and opportunities for innovation. Possible interventions such as equipment upgrading, process improvement, technical consultancy, and workforce capability enhancement were identified to help businesses improve productivity and expand their market reach. The assessment also considered gender-responsive needs to ensure inclusive and sustainable enterprise development.
A total of twenty-five (๐๐) ๐๐ข๐ซ๐ฆ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ underwent Technology Needs Assessment as part of SETUP, including four (๐) ๐๐ข๐ซ๐ฆ๐ฌ from ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ข๐จ๐ง, seven (๐) ๐๐ข๐ซ๐ฆ๐ฌ from ๐๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐๐ง, four (๐) ๐๐ข๐ซ๐ฆ๐ฌ from ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐๐จ๐ฌ ๐๐ฎ๐ซ, and ten (๐๐) ๐๐ข๐ซ๐ฆ๐ฌ from ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐๐จ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐.
Findings from the Technology Needs Assessment will determine the firmsโ eligibility to move forward to the next stage โ the preparation of project proposals for further review and possible funding support through the Review and Technical Evaluation Committee (RTEC).
Through SETUP, DOST Ilocos Region continues to empower MSMEs in Region 1 by providing access to appropriate technologies, upgrading equipment, and delivering technical assistance that drive innovation, improve product quality, and create greater market opportunities. By supporting local enterprises through science and technology, DOST Ilocos Region continues to deliver โAgham na Ramdamโ by strengthening innovation, improving competitiveness, and helping build more resilient communities across Region 1. (Sheshenie Janae M. Perez)