Entrepreneurship and Innovation in ASEAN, India and East Asia: trends and ecosystem development

The seminar will discuss the emergence of entrepreneurship eco-systems across South-East Asia, and India, some of the fastest growing economies in the world. These emerging markets are characterized by a young and tech savvy population, a fast digital transition both driving innovation and entrepreneurship. At the same time, many emerging economies in the region are characterized by high informality, growing digital divides, limited infrastructure in rural areas and risks related to climate change and climate-related disasters. The seminar will provide an overview of the diversity of innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems in emerging Asia, policy priorities and strategies (both at individual country level and regionally).

After this introduction, the seminar will present recent entrepreneurship trends and policy initiatives taking place in the region and globally, notably in relation to green entrepreneurship; agri-tech entrepreneurship; entrepreneurship and inclusive growth (especially women entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship, technology and disability inclusion); and more in general about how Asian startups are contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Examples of policy initiatives that will be covered include: strategies at ASEAN (Association of South East Asia Nations) level, Startup20 (the newly established Engagement Group under G20 India, focusing extensively both on sustainability and inclusion), and OECD EECOLE (the OECD Platform for the Entrepreneurship Education Collaboration and Engagement Network). The seminar will conclude by discussing why the emerging Asia examples are relevant for other emerging regions in the world such as Latin America and Africa as well as developed economies in Europe and North America

Giulia Ajmone Marsan bio

Giulia is an innovation, technology, start-up and entrepreneurship strategist, with over 15 years of experience in economic policy analysis and advice, capacity building and economic diplomacy. During her career, Giulia has advised a broad range of government officials, international organisations and other stakeholders globally: across ASEAN and Asia, Latin America, Africa, MENA, OECD countries.

Giulia has been the Co-Chair of the Inclusion Task Force of Startup20, the innovation and entrepreneurship engagement group under G20 India; she is the Chair of the Steering Committee of the OECD Entrepreneurship Education Collaboration and Engagement (EECOLE) Initiative; she is a member of the World Economic Forum (WEF)’s Expert Network; she collaborates extensively with the UNCTAD-led eTradeforAll initiative; the Asian Development Bank South East Asia Development Solutions (ASB-SEADS), and with other leading multilateral bodies, think tanks and universities.

Dr Ajmone Marsan is currently the Director of Strategy and Partnership at ERIA (Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia). Prior to joining ERIA, Giulia worked as an Innovation Economist at the OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development). Giulia’s analysis, publications, op-eds and commentaries have been featuredin leading international journals and media outlets. Dr Ajmone Marsan holds Bachelor and Master degrees in Applied Mathematics a PhD in Economics and Complex Systems.