ERIA launches E-S-I Knowledge Lab in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, 7 October 2022: The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), supported by The Asian Network, launched on 7 October 2022 in Viet Nam the Entrepreneurship, Start-ups, Innovation (E-S-I) Knowledge Lab to promote inclusive economic development though entrepreneurship and innovation across ASEAN and East Asia.

The E-S-I Knowledge Lab is a platform to discuss and share ideas and develop knowledge on how innovation and business creation contribute to the post–COVID-19 pandemic recovery across ASEAN and East Asia. The lab is open and collaborative and engages actors across academia, the business community, policymakers, and international organisations. 

The E-S-I Knowledge Lab covers new technology and innovation trends in several key areas such as education, agriculture, and health technology and intends to connect the growing community of ASEAN innovators with peers across the globe. The lab is committed to promote innovation for inclusive development, particularly by promoting knowledge on how to support women entrepreneurs and innovators; innovative social enterprises that are working to include persons with disabilities; and the digitalisation of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

Key stakeholders from Vietnamese knowledge organisations, business and start-up communities, and entrepreneurship and innovation support organisations discussed challenges and opportunities to foster inclusion in the digital economy and innovation in ASEAN, focusing on the post-pandemic digital economy. Participants highlighted Viet Nam’s favourable context such as its vigorous economic growth, vibrant foreign direct investment and venture capital investments, and good skills levels. Participants discussed the emerging digital divides across provinces, firms, and individuals in Viet Nam.

Dr Giulia Ajmone Marsan, ERIA’s Strategy and Partnership Director, said that to develop policy support to innovation and entrepreneurship, it is important to use the ecosystem approach that involves different stakeholders. She highlighted the important role that educational and research institutions play in emerging innovation ecosystems, as in Ho Chi Minh City.

Mr Ravindra Ngo, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Asian Network, emphasised the importance of partnering with ERIA under its Empower Our Future series, which engages key players and stakeholders amongst The Asian Network members, including non-profit and corporate sectors, entrepreneurs, and young leaders.

Connect with E-S-I Knowledge Lab on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/e-s-i-knowledge-lab/