I 4 IMPACT (AIM): Improving institutional performance for SME internationalization

Résumé

*text in orange: 2021 inputs

This project, formed around the core methodology of the AIM for Results (Assess, Improve, Measure institutional performance), is a key pillar of the ITC Strengthening Trade and Investment Support Institutions programme. The project was created in 2013 and since then, ITC has supported over 180 Business Support Organizations to develop clearer strategies, improve their service portfolio, establish results measurement systems, strengthen networks and optimize the use of resources at their disposal. This new phase of the project will continue to build on the results achieved so far and to further expand the suite of customized services and methodologies to respond to emerging needs of institutions and networks of institutions who are seeking scale, efficiency and impact. As a result, ITC sees value in expanding its scope of work to improving and developing business support ecosystems where BSOs and other institutions play a crucial role in creating shared values and building webs of support guided by cohesive and coordinated strategies of cooperation.

Activities under this project will continue to be delivered through advice, training and information sharing either through modular interventions or under the fully-fledged AIM for Results approach. Target beneficiaries remain Trade and Investment Promotion Organisations. 2018 saw a balancing of effort to a broader range of BSOs including national, regional and sub-regional BSOs, membership-based business associations, cooperatives, women associations, Incubators and other sector specific and functional associations.

In 2021, the major investment will be the WTPO Conference, which was initially scheduled in October 2020 in Accra, Ghana and rescheduled to 2021. This is a flagship event for ITC, sparking the conversations among peers, identifying and sharing good practice and building profile of ITC and the work of our institutional partners. In 2021, the project will also continue to build on the results achieved so far and to further expand the suite of customized services and methodologies to respond to emerging needs of institutions and networks of institutions who are seeking scale, efficiency and impact. Activities, solutions and interventions will be adapted based on the findings and recommendations of the TISI Strengthening programme evaluation and they will mainly focus on:

1. Improving efficiency through digital solutions and active community management, including via the benchmarking platform

2. Adapting our methodologies and obtain better information on the outcomes and impact of our work relating to sustainable and inclusive development

3. Delivering customised interventions for selected high-impact BSOs

In line with ITCs strategic objectives, the work on the ecosystem mapping, and training on commercial diplomacy will continue to be embedded within this W1 funded portfolio.