德国阿登纳基金会-新冠肺炎疫情以及未来的亚洲营商环境（英文）-2020.12-234页_16mb

Summary of "COVID-19 and the Future of Doing Business in Asia"

Core Content

This report, published by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Japan (KAS) in collaboration with the Asian Institute of Management Rizalino S. Navarro Policy Center for Competitiveness (AIM RSN PCC), examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economic and business landscape of Asia. It outlines how the crisis has reshaped the way businesses operate, the nature of work, and the role of governments and international relations in the region.

The study focuses on five key dimensions: Agility, Innovation, and Resilience among SMEs, Future of Work, Globalization, Asia-Europe Relations, and Institutions and Economic Regulations. It is based on data from Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam, and draws on interviews with SMEs, government representatives, and experts to provide on-the-ground insights.

Main Themes and Key Findings

1. Agility, Innovation, and Resilience among Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)

• SMEs are vital to the economy, especially in terms of job creation and inclusive growth.
• Agility has been a key factor in SME survival during the pandemic, enabled by their flexible structures and ability to adapt quickly.
• Entrepreneurial orientation (EO), including innovativeness and risk-taking, has also played a critical role in firm resilience.
• SMEs have had to build resilience in organizational, financial, and operational areas.
• Despite challenges, some SMEs have successfully innovated by leveraging their small size, flexibility, and strong personal relationships.
• Governments can support SMEs through accommodating policies, such as lower interest rates, loan guarantees, and regulatory sandboxes.

2. The Future of Work

• Telework has become widespread due to the pandemic, but not all jobs can be performed remotely.
• The shift to remote work has altered the economic and cultural concept of work, emphasizing occupational health and safety.
• The youth are particularly affected, with long-term implications for their employment and economic stability.
• Work-life balance and mental wellbeing have become pressing concerns in the new normal.
• Governments and businesses must collaborate to ensure safe and productive work environments, especially for remote workers.

3. Globalization

• The pandemic has compounded the slowdown of globalization, reducing trade and investment flows.
• There is a growing emphasis on resilient supply chains, especially for essential goods and services.
• Global value chains (GVCs) are expected to transform, with a trend toward regional diversification and localization.
• The fourth industrial revolution, US-China trade tensions, and sustainability goals are also influencing the future of GVCs.

Key Policy Recommendations

• Support SMEs in digital transformation through infrastructure development, training, and financial assistance.
• Promote teleworkability by addressing digital divide and improving internet access and digital skills.
• Ensure worker safety and wellbeing in both traditional and remote work environments.
• Invest in upskilling and reskilling programs to adapt to changing job functions and customer expectations.
• Develop clear guidelines for the safe return to work, especially for SMEs.
• Implement policies that address the long-term impacts on youth employment and education.
• Strengthen regional cooperation in disease control and economic recovery.
• Enhance institutional capacity to manage economic and health crises effectively.

Conclusion

The pandemic has accelerated structural changes in the Asian economy, redefining the roles of the State and private sector, and altering the nature of work and global economic relations. While the new normal presents challenges, it also offers opportunities for resilience, innovation, and adaptation. The report underscores the need for policy coherence, international collaboration, and investment in human capital to navigate the post-pandemic landscape and build a more robust and inclusive economic environment.

Key Information

• Publisher: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Japan
• Co-published with: Asian Institute of Management Rizalino S. Navarro Policy Center for Competitiveness (AIM RSN PCC)
• Research Lead: Prof. Jamil Paolo S. Francisco, PhD
• ISBN: 978-4-9906899-2-6
• Countries Studied: Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam
• Themes Covered: 14 themes, including SME resilience, future of work, globalization, Asia-Europe relations, and institutional reforms
• Objective: To provide insights and recommendations for rebuilding a more resilient and adaptive business environment in Asia

References and Appendices

• The report includes foreword, executive summary, and detailed analysis across five chapters.
• It features figures and tables that illustrate macroeconomic trends, teleworkability by occupation and sector, and policy recommendations.
• References cover academic and policy sources, while appendices provide additional data and background information.

Final Note

This report serves as a guide for policymakers, development partners, and businesses to adapt to the post-pandemic world and ensure sustainable economic recovery in Asia.