THE Regional Inclusive Innovation Center (RIIC) was officially launched in Central Luzon by various government agencies and partners in the private sector.

The launching was held online through a virtual signing of Memorandum of Agreement for the establishment and maintenance of the structure, which was participated in by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Central Luzon, Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Central Luzon, and the Commission on Higher Education (Ched)-Central Luzon, together with Bulacan State University (Bulsu), Angeles University Foundation (AUF), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-North Luzon, Bulacan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAid).

RIICs, dubbed as Technological Hive of Regional Innovation for a Vibrant Ecosystem or Thrive Central Luzon, will serve as another channel for micro, small and medium entrepreneurs to improve and enhance their goods or services, specifically in the areas of technology upgrading, research and development, and other innovation-related needs.

The centers are considered enabling networks or platforms, either physical or virtual, and aim to link government, academe, and industry together.

It also seeks promote the pursuit of market-oriented research toward addressing societal issues and industry needs by enabling the creation of new products and services which can result to the creation of a strong and globally competitive manufacturing, agriculture, and services sector.

According to DTI-Central Luzon Director Leonila Baluyut alliances between government and organization is vital in maximizing the assistance that can be given to MSMEs in the region.

She also noted the need to synergize and harmonize the resources of the lead agencies, industry partners and the academe to help MSMEs.

USAid Deputy Director Jona Lai, meanwhile, assured its support to innovation initiatives in the Philippines, especially those which would help MSMEs and foster inclusive growth.

She also noted that science and technology, and innovation play a key role in the recovery and growth oMSMEs, especially in this time of pandemic.

DOST-Central Luzon Director Julius Cesar Sicat, for his part, said that as MSMEs serve as the majority of all business establishments, innovation should help them tide the pandemic.

He asserted that it is imperative for agencies to join hands with the academe in creating a common platform and a harmonized innovation program delivered to MSMEs for the economy to be back to its proverbial feet.

He said Covid or no Covid, all sectors will align efforts to help in business recovery for small business, and that there is now way for the regional economy but up.