MSME’s innovation center

the P12-million laboratory equipment and facilities will pave way for MSMEs to innovate and develop their products through the digital technology

With the launching of the Digihub Shared Service Facilities (SSF)-Davao Fabrication Laboratory yesterday, February 15, the city is expected to be one of the centers for innovations and earnings for the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 regional director Maria Belenda Ambi said in her speech Friday at the University of Southeastern Philippines (Usep) that the P12-million laboratory equipment and facilities will pave way for MSMEs to innovate and develop through the digital technology and in a way contribute to the economy of the city.

“The bigger challenge for the MSMEs is to master the use of available facilities, kasi andito na yung facilities and we still do not know how to access the services of these facilities, I think we will not be that successful still,” she said.

"I hope that this Fablab will have a significant role in the innovation ecosystem to support our MSMEs where they can really access and make full use of the facilities and equipment available right now,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 11 regional director Doctor Anthony Sales reminded that even with the support for MSMEs for innovation, impacts on environment, health, and other concerns should still be considered.

“The Digihub can prototype products for commercialization and transfer to the private sector and other uses. But remember that we are not just after economic benefits,” Sales said, adding that the government agencies need to ensure that along with the development, the economic, social, and environmental aspects of society will not be left behind.

Trained personnel and experts of the facilities and equipment of the laboratory will be designated to assist MSMEs which will avail of the services.