Moving Beyond Conventional: DOST VI further studies technology needs of healthcare and wellness sector

In an era of rapid technological change, it is an advantage for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to continue proliferating a competitive service that will keep up with their industry’s innovations and advances.

Launched in 2002, SETUP is a nationwide strategy program of DOST that encourages and assists MSMEs in adopting technology innovations to improve their operations and boost their productivity and competitiveness.

Focusing on the industry level approach, the strategy program was developed into a new phase of implementation last 2018 referred to as the SETUP 2.0.  Under its framework, the implementation of industry and firm-level science and technology solutions for identified sectors or commodities are guided by strategic roadmaps.

One of the projects under the transition program of SETUP 2.0 is the “Technology Scanning and SETUP Roadmapping for Priority Industries or Sectors” that aims to set the direction and strengthen the implementation of technology transfer, commercialization, and S&T services to address the requirements of the priority sectors.

Currently, the transition program is already conducting the Technology Scanning, which is the second component that studies similar industries or sectors in other countries to compare and assess the performance of the Philippines.

In support of this, the DOST Region VI recently facilitated the conduct of the “Technology Scanning Report Vetting for Healthcare and Wellness Industry”.  The Technology Scanning Report on Healthcare and Wellness sector was presented by DOST VI Consultant Ms. Lerma L. Paris via virtual presentation.

The activity was able to validate the technology scanning report for the focused industry through the discussion of strategic decisions basing on the useful information from the current status on India’s Pharmaceuticals (Generic Drugs), Thailand’s Herbal Drugs, Functional Food, and Food Supplements, and South Korea’s Personal Care Products.

Moreover, a plenary discussion was also conducted to gain insights for the finalization of the report through technical inputs from Ms. Charito T. Aranilla of DOST Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, Dr. Rosalinda C. Torres of DOST Industrial Technology Development Institute, Dr. Cyruz P. Tuppal of the University of Perpetual Help Las Piñas, Dr. Regina Lourdes B. Hipol of St. Louis University, industry representative Mr. Paul Felipe S. Cruz, and DOST consultant Professor Glen A. Imbang.

The results will be used in the development of S&T roadmaps which will serve as the framework in identifying the assistance needed by the Healthcare and Wellness Industry. (JJMoleño/SSalazar/DOST VI – KMU)