Davao: The Department of Trade and Industry-Davao (DTI-11) has established innovation partnerships between the Bangsamoro region and two Davao academic institutions, officials announced Tuesday during the region’s Innovation Day celebrations. This collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing the innovation landscape in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

According to Philippines News Agency, DTI-11 Regional Director Romeo Casta±aga highlighted the partnership with the University of Southeastern Philippines and Ateneo de Davao University, which will support BARMM’s plan to establish its own Regional Inclusive Innovation Center (RIIC). This initiative is designed to bolster the region’s capacity for innovation and economic development.

The initiative builds on DTI-11’s iSTRIKE program, which has already assisted 201 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and developed 116 innovative products. Casta±aga emphasized the critical role innovation centers play in economic growth, stating that his office will provide knowledge sharing and technical assistance to support BARMM’s efforts.

Since its launch, the iSTRIKE program has also generated 100 research outputs and three international papers. The partnership aims to replicate Davao’s innovation success in BARMM, where officials are in the process of developing their own innovation roadmap.