Digital upgrading is essential for SMEs to improve productivity and stay competitive. The foundation of this transition is data generated from all aspects of operations, which, through effective collection, analysis, and visualization, enable informed decisions, optimize management, and predict demand. The advantages of SMEs are agility, flexibility, and ability to customize, which require clear information […]
This P-Talk explores the implementation of productivity concepts within ecoindustrial parks, fostering resource efficiency, cleaner production, and industrial symbiosis to drive inclusive, sustainable industrial development. Dr. Hung-Suck Park, Distinguished Chair Professor, Ulsan College, Republic of Korea, draws on real-life examples and best practices from the ROK to showcase the economic, environmental, and social benefits of […]
Most regions have yet to reap the benefits of economic growth resulting from industrialization. However, the negative implications of the existing industrial “linear” model, which does not consider environmental aspects in the product design stage, are clear. To negate the adverse impacts and keep the increase in the average global temperature within 1.5°C, the 2022 […]
Improving female labor force participation in productive economic activities and increasing the number of women in leadership positions are critical for productivity growth. In the Asia-Pacific, women continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions and still hold fewer than 45% of leadership positions in most sectors, including the public sector, and their untapped potential undermines […]
Increasing natural resource depletion and CO2 emissions necessitate the adoption of environment-friendly manufacturing practices. The need for greater economic efficiency, with the least environmental impact, led to the new manufacturing paradigm of GM. While GM practices were initially adopted by large-scale enterprises, many SMEs have now started to implement them given their benefits and opportunities […]
The tourism sector is a significant economic contributor as it generates employment and increases business opportunities in many APO members. The Travel & Tourism Development Index 2021 of the WEF has the theme “Rebuilding for a Sustainable and Resilient Future.” Embedding inclusivity, sustainability, and resilience in the travel and tourism sector as it recovers can […]
In 2019, the UN reported that 80% of 1 billion PWDs worldwide lived in developing countries. Roughly 650 million were in the Asia-Pacific region, with the majority in rural areas and primarily dependent on agriculture for food and livelihood security. A major cause of disability in rural areas is malnutrition caused by extreme poverty and […]
Public services are changing with advances in technology. With ICT tools, citizens can access government services efficiently and easily. Forty-six percent of Asia-Pacific citizens expect to access government services more frequently in the future, with 73% believing that services have become more digitalized since the pandemic (Deloitte Digital Smart, 2022). Government agencies face challenges in […]
The WEF Global Risks Report 2023 put climate change, adaptation, extreme weather conditions, and biodiversity loss as top global risks by severity over the next 10 years. Industry can no longer rely on conventional ways of producing and consuming products which have adversely impacted the environment. Focusing innovation specifically on greening business ecosystems would result […]
In this compelling P-Talk, we dive deep into the pressing issue of overtourism, especially in light of the postpandemic global tourism resurgence. Dr. Alan Wong, a revered figure in the hospitality and tourism industry and founder of G&D Hospitality, Tourism & Educational Consulting, brings his wealth of knowledge to viewers. A former lecturer at the […]
The pandemic caused abrupt changes in people’s lives, healthy food has never been more important, and consumers have increasingly sought out organic labels (Organic Trade Association US, 2021). However, some stakeholders remain narrowly focused on crop productivity and short-term profits, overlooking significant damage to the environment, soil, climate, biodiversity, rural communities, and public health. Social, […]
In our interconnected world, the global business environment is changing rapidly and unpredictably, posing many challenges and opportunities. Organizations need to rethink their strategies and leverage the global talent pool to achieve a competitive advantage and productivity in this environment. This P-Talk discusses some of the main aspects of global talent management for productivity improvement, […]
Industrialization is a pathway toward economic development as it generates employment, increases exports, and raises standards of living. Emerging economies in the Asia-Pacific are undergoing industrialization but have yet to reap the benefits of economic prosperity. The current business scenario faces unprecedented challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, high carbon emissions, pollution, and natural […]
SMEs are the engines of growth and innovation globally, accounting for 99% of all businesses and employing over 60% of the workforce. However, a study conducted by the WEF in December 2022 showed that 67% of SMEs found adopting digital transformation their top challenge. Hence, continued support is vital to ensure that SMEs are provided […]