APO Launches Project to Strengthen Innovation Management and Research Commercialization in State Universities and College in the Philippines

The APO, in collaboration with the Philippines' Department of Science and Technology of the MIMAROPA Region (DOST-MIMAROPA), conducted the launch and baseline assessment of the Development of Demonstration Companies (DMP) project Catalyzing Productivity through Innovation Management and Research Commercialization in State Universities and Colleges from 6 to 10 April 2026 in Palawan and Occidental Mindoro, the Philippines.

The APO's first DMP initiative focusing on innovation management and research commercialization, this project aims to establish demonstration models and benchmarks for replication across member economies. Three institutions, Western Philippines University in Palawan, Palawan State University, and Occidental Mindoro State College, were selected as demonstration organizations. They will receive targeted training and technical guidance to strengthen their capabilities in innovation management, technology transfer, and commercialization. The project will also support the development of institutional policies and strategies, pilot commercialization of promising research outputs, and the application of environmental, social, and governance tools to enhance sustainability of the project results.

The project was officially launched on 6 April 2026 in a hybrid ceremony at the Palawan State University campus, with participation from senior officials of the Department of Science and Technology, including Assistant Secretary Dr. Napoleon K. Juanillo Jr., Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho A. Mabborang, and DOST-MIMAROPA Regional Director Dr. Bernardo N. Sepeda, along with a program officer from the APO Secretariat, three APO resource persons from Malaysia, and representatives from the three participating institutions.

The opening session highlighted the project's timeliness and significance in bridging the gap between research outputs and practical applications while supporting the national mandate of state universities and colleges to contribute to industry development and societal progress. It also underscored the project's alignment with key national policies, including the Philippine Innovation Act, the Technology Transfer Act, and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. Introductory sessions were subsequently conducted on technology transfer ecosystems, intellectual property management, industry partnerships, commercialization strategies, and secure research.

Following the launch, baseline assessments were carried out at each institution through surveys, focus group discussions, and reviews of existing technology transfer practices. The assessments examined governance and policy frameworks, institutional structures, human capital, operational processes, and alignment with industry standards. Initial findings identified key gaps and opportunities in innovation policies and strategies, technology transfer office capacity, stakeholder engagement, and adoption of best practices. These results will inform tailored improvement plans and guide subsequent capacity-building, strategy development, and pilot commercialization activities.

Through this initiative, the APO continues to advance productivity through innovation and knowledge commercialization, contributing to more effective utilization of research outputs and sustainable development across member economies.