ACAN - APEC SME Study

The Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development’s (DFATD) Office of the Chief Economist requires a resource to: • Establish a network of experts in specific fields relating to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), including entrepreneurship and growth, international trade and globalization, supply chains, inclusiveness, sustainability/green/bio-circular, and digital adoption. • Connect with international partners to develop links between experts and relevant counterparts in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies, international organizations, and elsewhere. • Establish and coordinate a policy-focused research program in the above-noted areas including the production of 8-12 studies on the above- mentioned topics. • And hold conferences in Canada, uniting policymakers, and academics from across APEC economies to provide policymakers with the latest information and cutting-edge advice.

Any interested supplier must demonstrate by way of a Statement of Capabilities that it meets the following minimum requirements: • PhD in economics from a recognized academic institution with an established publication record on SME-related issues including from the perspective of the above noted specified fields. • A track record of successfully organizing in-person conferences or workshops that bringing together policymakers and academics, including from outside of Canada. • Must be a Canadian institution such as a university as they will be representing Canada with an international institution. • Have experience in organizing and maintaining an international network of experts including academic researchers and policymakers. • Have experience in working on issues relating to APEC or the Indo-Pacific region.