Trade Information Networking or ‘Not working’?

Upon request of the United Nations International Trade Centre (ITC) the team of iD consultants prepared a set of papers on their experiences with the development of trade information networks. The papers reflect on experiences in Europe, Latin America and Africa. The issues covered in the papers are: The need for trade information networks, the impact thereof, the challenges and  the critical success factors for setting up and managing such network.

Critical success factors
Notwithstanding the benefits, the added value that can often be identified, establishing a trade information network does not come naturally and is not easy to achieve. A recognition of mutual benefits is absolutely a must, but not the single most critical success factor. The benefits are the justification for making an effort. some other critical success factors are:

• Integration in the corporate strategy
  In case the TIN is not embedded in the overall, corporate strategy of the organizations involved, there is a serious risk that it will not get the attention and resources it requires. The TIN will never get beyond the stage of good intentions.
• Involvement and backing of top management
  The top decision makers need to be and feel involved, and support the initiative otherwise other more urgent or more prestigious projects will claim the scarce resources which are required to make the TIN a success.
• Full commitment and prioritization
  This issue is closely related to the embedding in the corporate strategy and the involvement and backing of top management. Another safeguard measure for commitment and prioritization is to make the link to a performance contract. In case staff and management is evaluated (and remunerated) on the basis of TIN targets, commitment and prioritization on the work floor can be substantially encouraged. In case there is no full commitment or sense of urgency, promises made will not be followed through.
• Realistic objectives
  It is easy to define network benefits, but it is hard to find successful trade information networks at work. For political reasons, objectives are often overambitious, and hence leading to project failures. It is important to set realistic targets, that can be achieved within a relatively short time span. Once the sweet of success has been tasted, the ambition can always be expanded.
• Quick wins
  In order to keep or expand momentum, enthusiasm, support and commitment, it is important to realize quick wins; Achievements which are visible and can easily be demonstrated and communicated.

more…
There are more critical success factors which we address in the papers. So, if you are involved in setting up trade information networks and want to know more about the do’s and don’ts, please contact us and find out how we can support you.