Optim-’Opportunities through technologies and innovation in Moldova’’ is a project of Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) implemented by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation in partnership with Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Republic of Moldova and international think tank Mesopartner.
Optim is an economic development project that aims to stimulate and improve the selected market systems in Moldova, so they generate sustainable economic opportunities for Moldovan women and men particularly those from excluded groups (youth, returning migrants, ethnic minorities) and those living outside the capital Chisinau.
The project applies a relatively new approach for Moldova – Market System Development (MSD) approach – that is based on the facilitation of systemic actions through the existing market actors aiming at addressing systemic failures and achieving sustainable change. Optim works through two selected sectors, ICT and Agri-Food, and the key focus areas for the project are oriented towards the i) private sector growth and facilitation of innovation networks; and ii) skills development and access to information.
The project contributes towards the private sector growth by engaging with meso organizations (business support organizations and business associations) to develop services or products that would contribute to the development and growth of SMEs. The facilitation of innovation networks aims at enhanced cooperation and coordination between the regional and national stakeholders in selected sectors and beyond, around common problems, challenges and opportunities that will lead to a sustainable economy and business enabling environment.
Improving the skills development and access to information in regions outside the Chisinau the project aims at reducing the rural-urban disparities and improving access to gainful employment opportunities for the target group, through engaging with private non formal training providers and job portals. Their expansion to the rural areas will improve the access to opportunities in regions.
The project 1st Phase started in September 2019 and it will last to December 2022.