As the government takes into account the contribution of innovation to all processes, may it be in government or businesses, the National Innovation Council (NIC) has approved several reforms aimed at bolstering programs and businesses that utilize innovation to provide opportunities.

The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), which serves as the NIC secretariat, in a press release on Monday, said the Council, during its 9th meeting on Nov. 20, approved the issuance of the Supplemental Guidelines for the Direct Procurement for Science, Technology, and Innovation, pursuant to Section 37 of the New Government Procurement Act (RA 12009) Implementing Rules and Regulations.

It explained that the guidelines aim “to streamline procurement processes for government entities engaged in research and development, science, technology, and innovation programs and projects.”

“It seeks to reduce delays, enable startups to participate in government programs, and allow the procurement of pre-commercial goods to stimulate innovation and encourage early market engagement,” the press release read.

DEVDev said “the guidelines will be forwarded to the Government Procurement Policy Board for final approval and issuance.”

“To keep pace with global technological developments and foster a dynamic innovation ecosystem, government procurement must be fast, flexible, and open to new ideas. This new modality under the New Government Procurement Act accelerates research, encourages early commercialization of innovations, and gives startups and new technology suppliers a real opportunity to contribute and compete,” said DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, NIC vice chairperson.

Business firms are, in turn, expected to benefit from the review of the Department’s policy reform study on “Streamlining Business Registration, Renewal, and Exit Processes,” targeted to address administrative challenges faced by business enterprises, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises and startups, in starting, maintaining, and closing their businesses.

NIC also approved the Implementing Guidelines of Executive Order No. 99, s. 2025, which formalizes the Presidential Filipinnovation Awards, which was able to gather proposals from small businesses that ensure sustainable businesses.

Updates on the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for the Philippines, formulated upon the directive of the President, were, in turn, presented by the Department of Science and Technology during the said meeting.

“AI’s transformative power demands a unified national strategy to align efforts, reduce inefficiencies, and unlock its full potential across government and the economy,” Balisacan said. (PNA)