Handbook: new ways of building partnerships across sectors

This handbook notes that the private sector is now seen as a key player in achieving development objectives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At the core of this new paradigm is the idea that the innovative spirit of entrepreneurs, the dynamic and scalability of market-driven solutions are part of the answer to (and not part of the problem of) sustainable development challenges. For integrating the poor in (global) supply chains, three main levers exist: (1) they can be integrated as work force, which directs the focus to skills development issues and the modernisation of...  [+] Show more

This handbook notes that the private sector is now seen as a key player in achieving development objectives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At the core of this new paradigm is the idea that the innovative spirit of entrepreneurs, the dynamic and scalability of market-driven solutions are part of the answer to (and not part of the problem of) sustainable development challenges. For integrating the poor in (global) supply chains, three main levers exist: (1) they can be integrated as work force, which directs the focus to skills development issues and the modernisation of technical and vocational training (TVET) systems; (2) they can be integrated in (global) supply chains through inclusive business models that either address them as customers by providing products and services for under-served needs; or (3) as entrepreneurs (startups), suppliers and distributors. Yet, this requires changes in established stakeholder relationships, strategies, in regulatory frameworks, business models, business linkages and services - in short, significant, sometimes even 'disruptive' innovation efforts. It is argued that one of the best ways to do this is to facilitate and engage in partnerships with businesses.

This handbook is based on training for 'private sector engagement and inclusive business', conducted in the context of the Innovation and Investment for Inclusive Sustainable Economic Development (ISED) Project in Indonesia in October 2018 at Impact Hub Jakarta. The handbook describes how successful projects between public sector, private sector and civil society can be co-created, for those working in the area of private sector cooperation, TVET or employment promotion. The theoretical background presented is nurtured with practical examples and lessons learned during the ISED pilot in October 2018. The handbook starts by introducing Inclusive Business models and industry partnerships in TVET as fields of cooperation between ISED and the private sector (chapter 2). Subsequently, chapter 3 provides an overview of some key concepts influencing the design of the training on new ways of building partnerships across sectors. Based on this conceptual background, chapter 4 gives a step-by-step guidance for replicating the training, reflecting on the lessons learned during the pilot in October 2018 and providing information on the necessary tools. Concluding, overarching lessons learned are summarised (chapter 5), and detailed sector information, a model director's script and selected templates are provided in the annex.

Edited excerpts from publication and publisher's website.