ECCP calls for innovation in infrastructure

The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) organized the Innovation in Infrastructure Congress last week to show its commitment to be part of the solution and to be active in introducing innovations in order to help the country become more competitive as well as move forward at a faster pace.

The Congress addressed the infrastructure challenges faced by the Philippines and introduced innovative solutions to assist in speeding up infrastructure development that will help create a more conducive environment for investments and promote the country as an attractive business destination not only for European investors but also for local and other foreign investors.

As noted in the latest World Economic Forum report:

. Extensive and efficient infrastructure is critical for ensuring the effective functioning of the economy, as it is an important factor in determining the location of economic activity and the kinds of activities or sectors that can develop within a country.

• Effective modes of transport — including quality roads, railroads, ports, and air transport — enable entrepreneurs to get their goods and services to market in a secure and timely manner and facilitate the movement of workers to the most suitable jobs.

• Economies also depend on electricity supplies that are free from interruptions and shortages so that businesses and factories can work unimpeded; and

• A solid and extensive telecommunications network allows for a rapid and free flow of information, which increases overall economic efficiency by helping to ensure that businesses can communicate and decisions are made by economic actors taking into account all available relevant information”

For this reason, ECCP challenged the status quo through this Innovation in Infrastructure Congress. There is plenty of room for improvement and a multitude of innovative solutions available to make positive changes happen.

ECCP is calling for innovation in infrastructure to ensure that infrastructure development keeps pace with the country’s rapid economic development, rising population, fast urbanization and the growing challenges related to climate change.

ECCP is promoting innovation in infrastructure so that the country can achieve breakthroughs that will help it leapfrog infrastructure development to higher levels of progress and at a faster pace of implementation.

Innovation is the solution to bring the country’s infrastructure to a level at par and eventually developing in pace with the country’s infrastructure requirements.

The congress introduced new and innovative infrastructure technologies and methodologies to promote the creation of appropriate, resilient and sustainable infrastructure and communities.

The Congress also allowed for the creation of a platform for exchanging best practices and promoting collaboration among stakeholders in infrastructure development, engaging government and other infrastructure stakeholders in improving the policy and regulatory environment for infrastructure development.

ECCP together with its partner companies and organizations promised to work with the government in creating a policy and regulatory environment, particularly with regard to standards as well as procurement specifications, which will allow innovation to be promoted, adopted and mainstreamed in the process of building up the country’s future infrastructure.