Institute for Small Scale Industries
The U.P. Institute for Small-Scale Industries is a pioneer, innovator, and advocate in small and medium enterprise (SME) training and development in the Philippines. Over the years, it has helped other countries in Asia and the Pacific build up their own SME development capabilities.
Vision
To improve the quality of life of the Filipino people by being a leading institution in training, research and consultancy for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Mission
To empower SMEs so that they may more fully contribute to the national goals of employment, equity and growth, through the provision of relevant, affordable, appropriate and innovative SME development services.
As it does these, UP ISSI will continue to nurture its internal capabilities, tap external resources and use state-of-the-art facilities and technologies.
Strategies
In pursuing its vision and mission, the UP ISSI uses four major strategies:
- training and institution building
- research, including policy studies
- consultancy and extension
- advocacy and information.
History
The Institute for Small-Scale Industries was founded in 1966 from the terms of friendship between the governments of the Republic of the Philippines and the Netherlands. Its principal objective then as now was to assist and promote the development and growth of the SME sector in the Philippines.
Originally set up as the national training institute for the Philippine small industries, the ISSI gradually built up its capabilities and expanded its activities to include research, extension, and information programs.
In 1969, the Institute was established by a law as a research and extension unit of the University of the Philippines
In the 1970s through the 1980s, the Institute trained nationals from other developing countries in Asia-Pacific in SME development programs and strategies, earning a name as "center for small enterprise training, research and development in the region."
Today, even as small enterprise development has attained the status of a national movement, the Institute continues its role as advocate and innovator in SME training and development.