Boosting productivity: Social innovation ecosystems in the Asia-Pacific

The Vietnam Standards, Metrology, and Quality Commission (STAMEQ) organized a face-to-face training course on building social innovation systems, 1-5 July in Da Lat, Vietnam. The course was a significant step toward promoting sustainable development in the region through social innovation systems.

Twenty-three participants from 16 APO members attended the training course, which integrated policy frameworks and innovative solutions to address social issues and improve productivity. Four resource persons from Australia, Malaysia, the UK, and Vietnam led discussions on social ecosystem mapping, design thinking, and sustainable strategies. The course also included site visits to Mushroom Village, VoCo Coffee, and Garden Mountain Company, all of which share a commitment to sustainability, community enhancement, and creating a positive impact both economically and socially, aligning with the broader goals of social innovation.

Participants' comments included: "The training was highly enjoyable and beneficial, enhancing HR capacity in social innovation systems across the APO region and rekindling skills." "The passion and dedication to the mushroom business, the innovative approach to people development in VoCo Coffee, and the agricultural leadership in Garden Mountain were inspiring." "The interactive courses and enriching discussions stimulated new ideas and helped us prepare for aligning organizational goals with SDG and ESG objectives." Overall, the course reinforced the importance of social innovation and highlighted the value of a dynamic learning environment.