(1)  Purpose: This project aims to support SMEs that are playing an important role in APEC member economies to pursue digital innovation. It is expected that each APEC member will be able to share their experiences, build networks, and get ideas for policy support through this forum. Specifically, this project 1) investigates essential matters for SMEs' digital innovation and shares best practices, 2) shares policy directions that will help SMEs' digital innovation from the perspective of public and private sectors, international organizations and research institutes, and 3) establish networks between SMEs. 

(2)   Duration and location: A one-day forum will be held in Republic of Korea in 2025

(3)   Tentative agenda for the forum is as follows:

1)  Opening remarks and keynote speech: Addressing the need for digital transformation to enhance competitiveness of SMEs

2)  Session 1: Sharing global trend and challenges SMEs face regarding digital transformation

3) Luncheon

4)  Session 2: Sharing policies and regulations regarding digital transformation of SMEs

5) Coffee Break

6)  Session 3: Best practices and policy recommendations for digital transformation of SMEs

7) Ex-post evaluation and wrap up

*Tentative agenda for online participants will follow the same format excluding the luncheon and coffee break with risks of not attending all the sessions given different time zone. The evaluation will still be sent via email

**Sessions are expected to include panel discussions and Q&A.(4) Expected scope: As mentioned above, this forum will help SMEs in APEC member economies to innovate digital transformation. Several immediate outputs ar expected during and after this forum, which include the followings:

1)  Ex-ante Evaluation: In order to maximize the effectiveness of the forum, preliminary survey will be conducted prior to the event.

2)  Ex-post Evaluation: During the event the ex-post evaluation will be conducted to ask whether the project was successful and to listen to participants’ opinions. The results of this evaluation will be of great help in creating more efficient and effective projects in the future.

3)  Sharing best practices: Speakers and experts of this forum are expected to share the best practices about digital transformation and provide opportunities to network with each other. It is expected that this will give SMEs in APEC member economies new ideas for promoting digital transformation.

4) Policy recommendations on promotion of SMEs’ digital transformation: It can be difficult for SMEs to carry out their own digital transformation due to several limitations. Through a series of presentations and discussions at the forum, it is expected that policymakers in APEC members will come up with ideas to support digital transformation of SMEs in policy.

(1)  Purpose: An elaborate Project Summary Report will be prepared to summarize the overall progress and results of this project.

1) This project is highly expected to raise awareness and understanding of the limitations and support measures related to digital transformation of SMEs among the stakeholders of APEC member economies. In addition, the project will support strengthening capabilities of SMEs and support digital innovation through exchanges among APEC member economies. The expected results of this project are as follows:

1) Identifying the limitations of SMEs regarding digital transformation: This project will identify what SMEs need to drive digital innovation in the APEC economies and what is difficult to carry out in practice. It is expected to provide a place to clarify SMEs’ limitations in digital transformation and come up with measures and ideas to overcome them. This can be measured by the number of issues, and specific themes covered in the forum, the number of participants, and the answers of ex-ante and ex-post evaluations. 

2) Increasing knowledge, awareness, and financing opportunities: This project intends to facilitate knowledge sharing among public and private sectors, international organizations, and research institutes regarding digital transformation helpful to SMEs. This can be measured by evaluating the number of knowledge-sharing events organized, the level of participation, and the feedback received on the usefulness of the shared experiences. In the forum, it is expected to discuss best practices, share successful experiences and strategies for digital innovation through presentations and discussions by experts, speakers, and panels. 

3) Strengthening network: This project will help to establish and strengthen a network for sharing practices and co-working related to SMEs’ digital transformation in APEC. This outcome can be measured by assessing the number of participating institutions, the level of engagement within the network, and the extent to which it facilitates ongoing communication and collaboration. 

4) Sharing policy supports for SMEs’ digital transformation: Through this project, it is expected that each APEC member presents its own policy supports and regulations. Through this, it is expected that ideas can be obtained to support digital transformation of SMEs efficiently and effectively within the regulations of each APEC member. This can be measured by the number of presentations of policy makers, and participants. 

This project seeks to encourage public and private sectors of APEC economies and non-governmental organizations, experts with professional knowledge in digital technology in the forum. Policymakers, researchers, and entrepreneurs from APEC economies will be invited to the forum planned by this project to share expertise and best practices in digital transformation of SMEs. 

(1) Representatives and associations of SMEs: They are expected to share the expertise and best practices for adopting digital transformation effectively and efficiently.

1) Qualifications: Representatives from SMEs or SME associations with expertise and experiences in business operations, and digital innovation.

2) Level of Expertise: Familiarity with various limitations faced by SMEs and understanding of the needs of SMEs.

3) Roles/Level of Responsibility: Owners, managers, or executives of SMEs, or representatives from SME associations

4) Gender: Both male and female SME representatives, and we will try to meet the target ratio in section 8.

5) Economies Represented: SMEs from APEC member economies.

6) APEC Fora Involvement: Representatives may participate in APEC SME-related working groups or dialogues.

7) Use and Benefit: SME representatives and associations will engage in knowledge- sharing sessions, provide input on digital transformation. They are also expected to benefit from the shared information, best practices, and networking opportunities. 

(2) Government officials and related associations: They are expected to acquire and share knowledge and best practices on policies and regulations that support digital transformation of SMEs.

1) Qualifications: Government officials involved in policymaking, and SME development.

2) Level of Expertise: Expertise in policy analysis, and SME support.

3) Roles/Level of Responsibility: Decision-makers, policymakers, and administrators responsible for formulating and implementing regulations and policies for digital innovation affecting SMEs.

4) Gender: Both male and female government officials, and we will try to meet the target ratio in section 8.

5) Economies Represented: Government officials from APEC member economies.

6) Government Departments: Ministries or departments responsible for SME development, trade, digital innovation, and regulatory affairs.

7) APEC Fora Involvement: Representatives may be involved in APEC working groups, committees, or task forces related to SMEs, or digital innovation.

8) Use and Benefit: Government officials may adopt the project's findings, recommendations, and knowledge to improve the support for SMEs. They will benefit from insights, experiences of other economies, and the opportunity to collaborate with other APEC members in addressing policy support for SMEs’ digital transformation. 

1) Qualifications: Experts and researchers with knowledge in digital transformation, and SME development

2) Level of Expertise: Extensive expertise in digital transformation, and SME development

3) Roles/Level of Responsibility: Researchers, analysts, and experts affiliated with international organizations and research institutes.

4) Gender: Both male and female experts and researchers, and we will try to meet the target ratio in section 8.

5) Economies Represented: Experts and researchers from various APEC member economies or international organizations.

6) APEC Fora Involvement: Involvement in APEC working groups or expert panels related to trade, SMEs, or regulatory issues.

7) Use and Benefit: International organizations and research institutes will contribute their expertise, share best practices, and provide research-based insights. They are expected to benefit from the opportunity to disseminate their knowledge, collaborate with other stakeholders.