ASIA FOCUS : Taking the pulse of Asian innovation

ASIA FOCUS : Taking the pulse of Asian innovation.

INNOVASIA

The emergence of new enterprises in the region has led to the birth of many successful products and services. These new entrepreneurs, however, face several challenges. The success and survival of their companies in a rapidly changing world depend, more than ever before, on innovation and enterprise.

To better understand the needs of Asian entrepreneurs, Credit Suisse has sponsored a unique, pan-Asian research programme called "Growth Challenges for Asian Entrepreneurs". This initiative, the first of its kind in Asia, reflects the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, values that Credit Suisse has widely encouraged within its own organisation.

The programme was launched in May 2005 in partnership with INSEAD, which provides applied business research on Asian technology markets. Since then, it has given rise to a vibrant community aiming to bring Asian entrepreneurs' exciting stories and ideas to potential partners, customers and investors.

Catalysing growth through value innovation that creates new choices for customers, the platforms established by this programme have provided an innovative forum for networking and continuous learning among entrepreneurs.

The research focus to date has been on four significant growth challenges:

- Fund-raising: Financing profitable growth in Asia;

- Internationalisation: Finding ways of translating growth abroad;

- Relationship Management: Navigating critical external relationships;

- Management Team Development: Building a team worth millions.

The research findings are presented through weekly publications in Asia Focus, showcasing Asian entrepreneurs and examining their challenges and lessons learned. Events will be held to provide a forum for discussion of the various research themes and to provide opportunities for entrepreneur networking.This series on "Management Team Developments" looks at areas such as the keys to success in finding managerial talent, working as a cohesive group and planning for long-term growth.

This is among the series of the publication that presents the ideas, opinions and practical recommendations obtained from research, analysis and on-the-ground interviews conducted with dozens of successful entrepreneurs and innovators across Asia.

The research was undertaken by a team of regional and country analysts at INSEAD, under the guidance of Balagopal Vissa, Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship at INSEAD.

The recommendations put forward aim to provide a practical tool for entrepreneurs building management teams in Asia.

Bangkok Post
Sunday January 14, 2007