Fostering sustainable transformation for competitive MSMEs

Introduction

This initiative was a Triangular Cooperation effort, developed with the support of the ADELANTE Window, aimed at transforming and promoting a circular economy to enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs in the Dominican Republic.

Objectives

This Triangular Cooperation Initiative enabled knowledge sharing by the Partnership entities to jointly develop tools for the digital transformation and promotion of the circular economy, which responds to the needs of MSMEs to improve their competitiveness, with a focus on responsible production and care for the environment.

Leveraging expertise in digital transformation and circular economy

Through this Triangular Cooperation Initiative, the knowledge and expertise of the Partnership member entities in digital transformation and circular economy were harnessed to support MSMEs, with a focus on responsible production and environmental sustainability.

The Partnership entities included:

• National Institute of Industrial Technology (INTI, Argentina)
• Science and Technology Centre of Antioquia (CTA, Colombia)
• Tarragona Conditioning Association – LEITAT (Spain)

These institutions collaborated to develop conceptual, methodological, and practical tools, which were integrated into the programmes of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs of the Dominican Republic to strengthen the country’s MSME sector.

Building a strong multi-actor, multi-level Partnership

The joint efforts of the Partnership led to the creation of structured approaches and strategies to:

• Enhance MSME competitiveness through digital transformation tools.
• Promote responsible production practices and circular economy principles.

As a result, this initiative established a multi-actor and multi-level Triangular Cooperation Partnership, bringing together highly specialised entities from Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. These institutions are renowned both nationally and internationally, reinforcing the regional impact and sustainability of the initiative.

By fostering innovation, sustainability, and inclusive economic development, this initiative contributes to a more resilient and competitive MSME sector in the Dominican Republic.

Project activities

This initiative adopted a triangular approach to knowledge sharing, structured around four study visits, a series of workshops, a seminar, and a final congress, to promote digital transformation and the circular economy, enhancing the competitiveness of MSMEs in the Dominican Republic.

Key activities included:

• Capacity building: training representatives from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs of the Dominican Republic within their MSME support programmes. Topics included:
  • Management technologies to improve production processes.
  • Best practices in digital transformation and circular economy.
• Model implementation: joint development of the "Good Practices Guide" supported by a specialised consultancy and two external collaborators.
• Research collaboration: the initiative explored three key areas:
  • Ecological transition and circular economy – led by LEITAT (Spain)
  • Digital transformation – led by CTA (Colombia)
  • Innovation culture and continuous improvement processes – led by INTI (Argentina)

Each area was addressed through on-site specialised training sessions.

• Community engagement: a final congress was organised to involve:
  • Government authorities of the Dominican Republic.
  • Stakeholders engaged in discussions around public policy approaches and implementation strategies.

Cross-cutting themes

Throughout the initiative, a cross-cutting approach was applied, integrating:

• Gender equality
• Environmental sustainability
• Climate change considerations

These themes were highlighted through experience-sharing, joint work sessions, and the final "Good Practices Guide," ensuring their practical integration into MSME development strategies.

By fostering innovation, sustainable business practices, and policy alignment, this initiative contributes to a more competitive, resilient, and environmentally responsible MSME sector in the Dominican Republic.

Results

Through this Triangular Cooperation Initiative, the knowledge and expertise of the Partnership's member entities and collaborating organizations in MSME competitiveness were leveraged to develop:

• The "Good Practices Guide"
• The "Report of Recommendations for the Digital Maturity Diagnosis of Enterprises"

These resources were designed to promote sustainability in organizations by:

• Driving digital transformation
• Advancing the circular economy
• Fostering a culture of organizational innovation
• Encouraging continuous improvement

Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

With inclusive and sustainable development as its guiding principle, the initiative directly contributed to SDG 9, particularly by:

• Upgrading infrastructure and modernizing industries to enhance sustainability.
• Promoting efficient resource use and the adoption of clean, environmentally sound technologies.
• Supporting the implementation of sustainable industrial processes.

By strengthening MSME resilience and fostering innovation, this initiative contributes to long-term economic and environmental sustainability in the region.

Implementing partner

National Institute of Industrial Technology - INTI (Argentina)