The Asian Productivity Organization (APO), in collaboration with the Korea Productivity Center, organized the workshop on November 7–10, 2023 in Seoul, Korea. It brought together young entrepreneurs, government officials, policy researchers, and representatives from members of APO economies including from innovation and youth entrepreneurship institutes.
The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD)’s Youth Science Program or YSP’s Leader Annette M. Tobias, represented the Council and shared the program's results, emphasizing support for youth engagement and innovation.
Aimed at assisting APO members in developing strategies to support youth entrepreneurship, the workshop featured a lineup of 19 speakers from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, India, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand. Discussions focused on innovation, skills development, government strategies, and policies to nurture youth entrepreneurship.
The workshop comprised sessions focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship, and the youth; Korean government strategies, policies, and practices to nurture youth entrepreneurship; Youth entrepreneurship landscape in the Asia-Pacific; Enhancing access to resources for youth entrepreneurship; Skill development and training for youth entrepreneurs; and Nurturing youth entrepreneurship: Case studies from the Republic of Korea.
Ms. Tobias highlighted that the activity provided insights aligned with the Council's work especially on international collaboration, evaluating programs to support youth in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector, and providing strategic focus on sharing success stories to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs.
The workshop provided valuable insights from country-level experiences and best practices across Asia. Participants developed potential collaborations, exchanged knowledge, and learned insights from successful policies implemented in various countries. It also highlighted South Korea's effective strategies for youth entrepreneurship.
Participants conducted site visits in Dongdaemun and Gyeonggi. The Global Startup Festival, COMEUP, in Dongdaemun showcased South Korea's startup ecosystem, while the Gyeonggi Center for Creative Economy and Innovation featured the innovation hub that supports entrepreneurs.
South Korea's support for startups and innovative technologies was prominent, showcasing a robust strategy that promotes entrepreneurship. The country's commitment to science and technology is a key driver for its economic growth and national progress.
The workshop not only sparked cross-cultural exchange, but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations, reinforcing the commitment to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among the youth in the AANR sector.