With the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, governments have become even more cognizant on innovation as a major driver of economic output, productivity, and competitiveness. Innovation involves implementing new or significantly improved goods and services, production, processes, marketing, or organizational methods for adding value.

The Philippine government acknowledges its role in establishing and maintaining a conducive policy environment to support the country`s innovation ecosystem. Hence, the passage of the following laws:

• Republic Act No. 11293 or Philippine Innovation Act (PIA) - to guide the country`s innovation goals and is expected to make the policy environment in the country conducive for more science, technology, and innovation efforts; and
• Republic Act No. 11337 or The Innovative Startup Act - to strengthen, promote, and develop an innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem, and culture in the country.

The 2021 Survey on Innovation Activities of Establishments (SIA), being conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in collaboration with the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, is the third round of survey since 2010. Information on innovation shall provide a better understanding of the innovative behavior and activities of firms. New information on use of digital platforms by Philippine businesses are captured in this round, recognizing that markets of all kinds are becoming more digital and digitalized with rapid use of internet.

The survey operation starts on 05 January 2023 until 01 March 2023 employing 15 statistical researchers to cover 487 establishments throughout Region X.

PSA X enjoins all establishments in the region to support the activity by participating and providing truthful and complete information during the first quarter of 2023. All data collected will be kept strictly confidential in compliance to Section 26 of Republic Act 10625 and Republic Act 10173 (Data Privacy Act of 2012). The Office also assures the public on the observance of minimum health protocols during the entire SIA operations.

(SGD.)JANITH C. AVES, CE, DM
(Chief Statistical Specialist)
Officer-in-Charge