Impact assessment on Department of Science and Technology-Biliran Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) Assisted Project / Maria Catherine Borja Gonda

Year : 2014

Number of Pages : 59 leaves

Adviser : Dr. Roger D. Posadas

Executive Summary

Low employment rate and production of small scale firms evoke that government effort in technology diffusion through acquisition of equipment and machineries, technology training, consultancy services and technical know-how to commensurate income of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. The Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) seeks to address this problem by providing entrepreneurs technical advice on appropriate technologies to improve firm productivity including technology management at firm level. The program essentially involves the deployment of a technical people to assist them on what technology needs. This study assess the SETUP Program in the implementation of DOST-Biliran in Eastern Visayas in a span of five (5) years from 2008-2013. Specifically, it aims to evaluate its performance in terms of attainment of its stated goals and the factors that contribute to its success or failure. As specified on the stated objectives of the study. The inward technology transfer framework proposed by Trott (2008) serves as the theoretical basis in program evaluation that identifies the sequential phases in the diffusion and the acquisition of knowledge by firm includes awareness, association, assimilation, and finally successful application. Both primary and secondary data were gathered to obtain all relevant information to enable to evaluate assessment of the program. The secondary sources of information were report submitted by the beneficiaries through periodic monitoring of the DOST Biliran Personnel. The primary data were obtained from the interviews with the respondents, and the researches using the questionnaires design for each set of respondents. A focus group discussion with the group was also undertaken to discuss key issues regarding the program. The observations and findings discussed in this study are based on the available secondary information and the primary data gathered in November 2013 to February 2014 from the interviews, focus group discussion and field assessment. A total of twenty-five (25) SETUP beneficiaries participated as respondents in any field of Science and Technology priority areas. Since the data gathered were descriptive and qualitative, the analysis was interpreted by experts in which key issues, factors were identified and conclusions were drawn. Based on the gaps, problems and issues identified, the study offers recommendations that the DOST Biliran and DOST Regional Office-8 may consider to improve SETUP Program implementation in order to enhance its effectiveness. The process and criteria for selection of beneficiaries need to be strengthened to ensure commitment to adopt recommended technical innovations. To ensure all necessary assistance required by SETUP Beneficiaries, DOST Biliran should initiate networking with the Local Government Units (LGUs) and other institutions like DTI and DOLE to further enhance capabilities in entrepreneurial skills, trainings and other capability program. In any technology diffusion initiative, technology transfer is vital in any entrepreneurial activity. Thus, to ensure that required technical skills, know-how and learnings are acquired by beneficiaries, monitoring and evaluation of firms even beyond the formal project duration has to be undertaken.