DOST prepares for SETUP 4.0 transition

As a way to respond to the rapid evolution of Industry 4.0, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and other forces creating profound changes in local and global markets, the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) is in the process of transitioning to a new phase that is SETUP 4.0.

In line with the transition, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Offices are preparing science and technology (S&T) roadmaps to address the needs of priority industries/sectors by setting the direction and enhancing the implementation of technology transfer, commercialization, and S&T services.

The department formed an alliance with WQA Phils., Inc. to devise said roadmaps for the following eight priority sectors: Food Processing (coffee and cacao-based products, baked products/ethnic food), Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock (organic agriculture, high-value vegetable), Marine and Aquaculture (seaweeds), Agri machinery/ Farm Implements/ Food Processing Equipment, Tool and Die, Manufacture of Furniture, Jewelry, GHD, and Creatives (furniture, natural fibers/wearables/weaving), Electronics, ICT, and ICT Services, and Healthcare and Wellness (biomedical devices, pharmaceuticals-generic drugs, herbal drugs, functional food and food supplements, and personal care products).

With this, DOST VI as the lead region for health and wellness participated in a stakeholders’ consultation. The activity aimed to identify which issues are of particular concern to each sector and conduct a preliminary environmental scan.

More or less 15 stakeholders from the different regions expressed their views, insights, and inputs in addition to forming a consensus regarding the key issues facing each sector. It was hosted by DOST-National Capital Region (NCR) and WQA Philippines, Inc.