IPS partners with Google to promote ‘Digital Dynamism’

Wednesday, 31 December 2014 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

With the aim of shaping a new narrative around innovation and entrepreneurship in the country, the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) recently conducted a Round Table discussion in Colombo. Titled ‘Digital Dynamism,’ the discussion held in partnership with Google, brought together entrepreneurs featured in a series of case studies compiled by IPS together with Google Asia-Pacific as a follow up to apreviously published IPS Working Paper called ‘Fostering Innovation to Fast-forward Growth in Sri Lanka’.

IPS Research Economist Anushka Wijesinha speaking at ‘Digital Dynamism’ roundtable discussion on reshaping the narrative around innovation and entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka The case studies highlight new examples of entrepreneurship being driven by digital technologies that demonstrate Sri Lanka’s potential in the digital economy, and the key challenges that must be tackled. ‘Digital Dynamism’ was a platform to share insights on initiatives that are taking advantage of digital tools to disrupt traditional models. The participants stressed on the need to strengthen the climate that encourage more innovation led enterprises, create new funding opportunities for digital entrepreneurship, and the strategic role of the government in fostering initiatives that will boost employment opportunities.

Alex Long, Country Lead, Government Affairs and Public Policy, Google Asia Pacific, sharing regional perspectives on entrepreneurship and innovation Sharing views on entrepreneurship and innovation in the new Sri Lankan economy, IPS Research Economist Anushka Wijesinha said: “As the post-war Sri Lankan economy attempts to transform to be a more value-added and knowledge-led one, technology and innovation offer new opportunities for growth and dynamism. Among many things, we also want to reshape the narrative around financial solutions and the banking sector in supporting start-ups, innovation and entrepreneurship. It’s also important to reshape the narrative around how young people look at jobs in this new digital economy, the mind-set and aspirations of these young people, their families and parents – because they influence the jobs in this economy.”

Participants sharing their views The discussion was instrumental in understandingthe eco-system of start-ups in Sri Lanka. The participants shared their experiences in using cloud-based applications to work in lean and smart teams, boost self-employment through social media, provideadditive manufacturing solutions, takeadvantage of new funding opportunities to launch new marketplaces, and utilise smart devices to collect and disseminate citizen feedback on public services. The need to strengthen women entrepreneurship and the importance of establishing proper business incubator and accelerator facilities was also highlighted. “We need to look at all of this from a holistic lens from policy to taxes, regulations, knowledge creation, making it easier for small businesses to start-up” Wijesinha added.

Representatives from different innovative enterprises and initiatives in Sri Lanka Country Lead, Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google Asia Pacific, Alex Long, who participated in the discussion, said: “Google is really interested in starting a conversation with these companies and new ventures to see what sort of pain points they have, and workwith the government, and regulations to see how we can work together more effectively to make a positive impact.” Among the participants were Government and private sector organisations and individuals leading innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as representatives from international development agencies. For the video of the discussion on ‘Digital Dynamism’ visit IPSon YouTube http://youtu.be/fUc21I3KosM