Value-chain development
State-of-the-Art monitoring system for Research and Innovation Smart Specialization Strategy (RIS3)
Intercultural management in business
STUDIES X
Gender-sensitive value-chain mapping in the MENA region
Role: Team Leader
Region: MENA (Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine and Tunisia)
Year: 2018-2019
Client: UNIDO
Team Leader of a team of seven National Experts in regional gender-sensitive value-chain mapping in seven countries: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine and Tunisia in the framework of the project “Promoting Women’s Empowerment (PWE) for Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development in the MENA Region” (phase II).
Semi-formal business registration reform feasibility study
Formulation of the Uplands Rural Development Project (URDP)
Role: Rural Market Analyst
Region: Western Asia (Turkey)
Year: 2017
Client: IFAD
A market study was prepared on mountainous product value-chains in the framework of the design and formulation of a new project (Uplands Rural Development Project) aimed at retaining youth on mountainous areas. Together with conventional market study elements such as market channels, tradeable volumes and proposing a marketing strategy and responsibilities, the work encompassed a risk-assessment on typical smallholder mountainous produce based on historical demand-price curves by priority local commodity, a through analysis of organic agriculture potential and of applicability of quality certifications and branding.
Wind-energy system drivetrain metrology development research
Role: Research Assistant
Region: Europe (Denmark)
Years: 2012-2017
Client: Technical University of Denmark DTU (financed by European Commission FP7, Danish Innovation Fund)
In the framework of three research contracts, industrial metrology research was carried out at the Mechanical Engineering Department controlled condition laboratories aimed at large-size wind energy system drive- train component development in the “Drive Train Project” financed by Danish government and the “Traceable measurement of drivetrain components for renewable energy - ENG56” financed by the European Commission (FP7). Such research work encompassed planning, laboratory implementation, analysis and no. 3 peer-reviewed publications. Support was also given in drafting a Horizon 2020 proposal.
Regional RIS3-based private sector internationalization
Role: SME Internationalization Expert
Region: Europe (Italy)
Year: 2016
Client: Invitalia (financed by the European Commission)
different studies were carried out to provide technical assistance to a central institution and four regional governments to enhance private sector internationalization through their Research and Innovation Smart Specialization Strategy (RIS3) in the framework of the National Governance Programme for the Public Administration Reform and Administration financed by ERDF. Analysis was carried out on identifying value-added products and prioritizing high-potential markets.
SME agglomeration policy assessment
Role: PSD Policy and Feasibility Study Expert
Region: South East Asia (Vietnam)
Year: 2015
Client: Asian Development Bank
The ADB requested a through assessment of the potential for a national SME agglomeration policy (Corporate Synergy Systems) aimed at increasing inclusion of national SMEs in international value-chains and economy competitiveness through joint investments and collaboration with large enterprises. The assessment included regulatory framework, road map of achievements, comparative analysis of potential in 10 industries against different indicators, industry prioritization based on Input-Output national accounting tables forward- / backward-linkage industry assessment, involvement of national research centers, and benchmarking with international experiences. The assessment was completed with planning and budgeting.
National Agricultural Technology Project (NATP) implementation support and supervision
Role: Value-chain development expert
Region: South Asia (Bangladesh)
Year: 2011-2014
Client: IFAD
The National Agricultural Technology Project (NATP) cofinanced by WB, IFAD and the national government had four components supporting extension, livestock, fishery, and value-chain development. The implementation support, supervision and technical assistance work focused on the value-chain development component and spanned three years through no. 6 implementation support and supervision missions including a Mid-Term Review (MTR) and an institutional assessment of the Horticulture Export Promotion Foundation (Hortex). Among others, such experiences allowed providing technical assistance to Hortex in enhancing their value-chain development effectiveness. An impact evaluation estimated that the project benefitted 1.2 million smallholders with a significant net income increase for those taking part to the value-chain development activities in a number of sub-Districts (Upzillas) nationwise.
Agribusiness Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center feasibility study
Role: Stakeholder facilitator and PSD expert
Region: Western Africa (Senegal)
Year: 2011
Client: World Bank (Finland)
The feasibility study for a national Agribusiness Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (AIEC) focused on business modelling, services, critical factors, location, target clients and stakeholders, governance, business plan and involvement of different stakeholders including MSME, private sector, national R&D centers and public specialized agencies. Services provided included stakeholder facilitation and design and analysis of a quantitative survey on agri-processing SME and licensed micro- entrepreneurs.
Internationalization of Tunisian enterprises
Role: SME Internationalization Expert
Region: Middle East North Africa (Tunisia)
Year: 2011
Client: CUOA Foundation (financed by MAECI)
Under the coordination of the Tunisian Export Promotion Center (CEPEX), a through analysis of trade and investment flows between Tunisia, Italy and the UEMOA region was carried out to identify high-potential industries and markets for joint Italian-Tunisian private sector investments.
EU market entry of a Jordanian SME
Role: Marketing Expert
Region: Middle East North Africa (Jordan) and Europe (United Kingdom)
Year: 2009
Client: Jordan Upgrading Modernization Project (financed by the European Commission)
The market study was requested by a Jordanian SME on highest potential EU markets for their product lines. A market analysis and a 110 respondent research were carried out in UK, Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg to prioritize access markets and draft an access strategy.
Value-chain portfolio analysis for the formulation of the Programa de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Rural
Role: Team Leader And Value-Chain Development Expert
Region: Southern Africa (Mozambique)
Year: 2009
Client: MAECI
Team Leader of a Team of 12 international Agricultural Engineers, Forestry Engineers, Economists and Survey Enumerators, delivered a value-chain study of 6 aggregate agro-value-chains with a panel of 25 products (horticulture, oilseeds, dairy, poultry, timber). The study included the creation of a value-chain database including enterprise investment and dimensional data gathered through a questionnaire survey administered to 224 formal agricultural SMEs in three Provinces. The study provided the input for the formulation of a three-year rural development project.
Regional training on laser technologies for SME
Feasibility study for the universalization of internet access in rural environments
Role: Team Leader and Feasibility Study Expert
Region: Southern Africa (Malawi)
Year: 2006
Client: ICS UNIDO
The coordination of a 9-member team led to a complete feasibility study on a national ICT telecentre infrastructure for rural communities, relying on an innovative gender- and age- sensitive quantitative methodology triangulated with participatory approaches that involved 700 community stakeholders and was published. The study included an investment business plan and was structured to be suitable for technical, informative and fundraising purposes. In 10 years, the Country established a network of more 50 telecentres nation-wise providing broadband service access to thousands in rural areas as well as small business development services.
Contratti di filiera / Value-chain development joint-investments
Role: Value-Chain Investment Analyst
Region: Europe (Italy)
Year: 2004
Client: Progetto Verde Srl
The service rendered encompassed analyzing investments for the improvement of quality certification and marketing consortia in the framework of a joint inter-regional value-chain investment, to be financed by a public scheme for value-chain development (Contratti di Filiera) aimed at enhancing quality vs. volumes. The EUR 43 million investment plan aimed at benefitting 120 SME and a few typical origin protection consortia in three Italian regions: Veneto, Piedmont, Tuscany.