Outline of the Project

Project Name

Enhancing Regional Integrated SME Promotion (RISMEP) Mechanism

Country

Thailand

Project Site

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Nakon Ratchasima, Suphanburi, Surat Thani Provinces

Date R/D Signed

January 31, 2013

Term of Cooperation

January 31, 2013 to January 30, 2016 (3 years)

Counterpart Agencies

Department of Industrial Promotion, Ministry of Industry

Background

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are a very important element of the Thai economy as they account for 99% of overall enterprise numbers. SMEs are an essential foundation for sustainable development and a key for economic revitalization, and reinforcing economic growth of the country.

Historically, in Thailand the Government established a variety of SME support organizations and they have been providing different types of SME support services. Local SMEs need to know what kind of service is appropriate for their needs so that they can consult in the corresponding field, which is not always SME-friendly. Also in order to prepare Thai-SMEs to be competitive enough towards AEC 2015, a well-functioning and sustainable mechanism to support SMEs is necessary.

This project is aiming to establish RISMEP, which is a mechanism to deliver SME support services in local areas in an effective and efficient manner through an SME support network that links individuals and organizations engaged in SME support and provides a one-stop service function to select and introduce a set of appropriate support services from an integrated list of SME support organizations and services. This mechanism will be facilitated and implemented by the Industrial Promotion Center under the Ministry of Industry, in the 4 targeted provinces as a model.

Overall Goals

RISMEP mechanism will be maintained in the target provinces and later disseminated in other areas.

Project Purpose

RISMEP mechanism will be established by the IPCs in the target provinces, and will function effectively.

Outputs

1. SME-friendly Business Development Services (BDS) provider networks in the target provinces will be developed.
2. Quality and quantity of BDS delivered by local SPs to SMEs in the target provinces will be improved.
3. The BDS provider networks and the contents of BDS in the target provinces will be widely recognized by SMEs.
4. A system for disseminating the RISMEP mechanism in other regions will be set up by DIP with IPCs.

Project Activities

Activities for Output 1

1-1	The IPCs organize a network of BDS providers including SPs in each target province.
1-2	The BDS provider networks study and share SMEs’ needs and BDS currently available in the provinces.
1-3	The BDS provider networks facilitated by the IPCs make a plan for a RISMEP mechanism based on the results of Activity 1-2
1-4	The BDS provider networks develop tools, such as procedure manuals, a database on SPs, BDS information materials (guidebooks, web pages and etc.), and conduct training for SME counselors operating in consultation centers.
1-5	The BDS provider networks plan the framework and services of the consultation center for SMEs and operate them with the trained counselors.
1-6	The IPCs monitor and evaluate the activities of the BDS provider networks.

Activities for Output 2

2-1	The IPCs in cooperation with the other BDS provider network members make a plan to train local SPs (including On-the-Job-Training)
2-2	The IPCs in cooperation with the other BDS provider network members implement the plan.
2-3	The IPCs in cooperation with the other BDS provider network members monitor and evaluate results.

Activities for Output 3

3-1	The BDS provider networks plan activities for public relations including seminars and publications to disseminate success cases.
3-2	The BDS provider networks implement the plan.
3-3	The BDS provider networks monitor and evaluate the effect of the PR activities.

Activities for Output 4

4-1	DIP supervises the RISMEP mechanism in the target provinces.
4-2	DIP develops a RISMEP guideline based on experience in the target provinces.
4-3	DIP advocates the importance of the RISMEP mechanism to the government.
4-4	DIP elaborates an action plan with related organization to disseminate the RISMEP mechanism in other areas.