1. The importance of SMEs for ITU2
The importance of SMEs for ITU
SMEs make up more than 90 per cent of all businesses worldwide
SMEs play a crucial role in spurring global economic growth and can ensure greater inclusivity in global ICT/telecommunication development
SMEs are often at the forefront of innovative ICT-enabled solutions and have a unique potential to make a long-lasting impact in regional and national economies

2. SME engagement in ITU’s activities3
SME engagement in ITU’s activities
1. Standardization
ITU Study Groups
2. Networking
ITU Telecom World
3. Government support & awareness raising
Innovation Ecosystem Assessment
EMERGE initiative
WTISD 2016

3. 1: SME engagement in standardization: 4
1: SME engagement in standardization:
How SMEs benefit from ITU membership
Participation in real time Telecommunication/ICT development which advances the quality of their products and technical knowledge
Access to a vast global network of governments, international organizations, key industry players and academia
Increased brand and product visibility while gaining exposure to new markets
Meetings offer a conducive environment for developing domestic and international business partnerships
Competitive intelligence on other industry members

4. 1: SME engagement in standardization: 5
1: SME engagement in standardization:
Next steps to increase SME engagement in ITU
Reduced membership fees: under consideration by ITU Council - trial reduced Associate fee for SMEs participating in ITU-T and ITU-R (possible pilot project in ITU-T SG 20 on IoT and smart cities)
Enhanced remote participation: ITU is working to significantly develop remote participation facilities and online collaboration tools
Survey to ITU SME members to better identify challenges and areas for improvement within ITU
[note from JM]
We could add here mentioning the possibility of organizing a future expert meeting (in ITU, or as part of the WSC) to share experiences in promoting participation of SMEs in standardization activities. Expert meeting could take place as virtual meeting (2-3 hours). ITU-T could provide secretariat and logistic support. meeting could be convened by WSC.

5. SME engagement in ITU’s activities6
SME engagement in ITU’s activities
1. Standardization
ITU Study Groups
2. Networking
ITU Telecom World
3. Government support & awareness raising
Innovation Ecosystem Assessment
EMERGE initiative
WTISD 2016

6. 2. Networking: ITU TELECOM World – New accent on SMEs7
2. Networking: ITU TELECOM World – New accent on SMEs
ITU Telecom World November 2016, Bangkok
Focus on the role of SMEs in the digital ecosystem
FORUM
EXHIBITION
AWARDS
NETWORKING
About
High level debate on key ICT trends:
sessions on B2G and B2B support for SMEs
Show floor with national and industry pavilions, including SMEs
Recognition of the most innovative SMEs providing solutions with real social impact
4,000 high level experts from government, big industry, SMEs, academia and other
Figures from 2015
7% of speakers CEOs from SMEs
100 SME exhibitors (40% of exhibition)
5 awards to most innovative SMEs
10% of participants from SMEs
ITU Telecom World 2016 will be held in Bangkok on November 2016, and will focus on the most effective ways to grow the digital ecosystem and the key role SMEs play in the process.
SME Focus: Launched in 2015, ITU Telecom World’s new focus is on fostering and supporting the success of SMEs in the ICT ecosystem as key stakeholders driving socio-economic growth and job creation throughout the world. ITU Telecom World 2016 builds an international platform for government and industry leaders to connect with SMEs and entrepreneurs, to explore challenges, partnership solutions and investment opportunities, and best practices.

7. SME engagement in ITU’s activities8
SME engagement in ITU’s activities
1. Standardization
ITU Study Groups
2. Networking
ITU Telecom World
3. Government support & awareness raising
Innovation Ecosystem Assessment
EMERGE initiative
WTISD 2016

8. 3. Government support & awareness raising: 9
3. Government support & awareness raising:
Innovation Ecosystem Assessment
In developing countries governments and public sector agencies play a key role in supporting SMEs
By request of ITU Membership, ITU-D has developed a methodology to convene expert discussions at country level to identify actions needed to enhance the innovation ecosystem
First pilot implementation in Albania. Pilot to be extended to 3 additional countries in 2016
More info

9. 3. Government support & awareness raising: EMERGE initiative
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3. Government support & awareness raising:
EMERGE initiative
Network of stakeholders to support entrepreneurial ecosystems in cooperation with government policy-makers and regulators
Focus Areas:
Exchange of experience between partner organizations
Mapping of resources available to support ICT innovation ecosystems in emerging economies, with focus on empowering SMEs in the ICT sector.
Elaboration of reports with recommendations for decision makers
Current members include UN agencies (ITU, ILO, ITC, UNICEF), regional organizations
(European Union), as well as associations of SMEs and startups (WITSA, Seedstars, etc).
More info

10. 3. Government support & awareness raising:
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3. Government support & awareness raising:
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD 2016)
On 17 May 2016, WTISD 2016:“ICT entrepreneurship for social impact” will consider the potential of SMEs as drivers of innovative solutions in achieving SDGs, with a focus on SMEs from developing countries
Global event to include:
High level celebration on 17 May in ITU Headquarters in Geneva
Global call to action issued by ITU Secretary-General
Series of national celebrations organized by ITU 193 Member States across the globe

11. 1212
Questions?