Among the key initiatives of the agency is connecting and integrating the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem of the country through the Regional Inclusive Innovation Centers (RIICs). These RIICs are a network of innovation agents that collaborate to commercialize market-oriented research towards the competitiveness of the region, which aims to generate better employment opportunities, more entrepreneurial activities, and sustainable economic prosperity in the country’s regions. These innovation agents include industries, universities, government agencies, LGUs, startups, MSMEs, R&D laboratories, S&T parks, incubators, FabLabs, investors, among many other agents in the ecosystem.

Through the RIICs, we can build the local innovation ecosystem from which would emerge innovation, research commercialization, new products, new services, and new business models that address industry and societal issues—thereby generating better employment opportunities, more entrepreneurial activities, and sustainable economic prosperity in the country’s regions.

There are currently four pilot RIICs: Legazpi in Region V (focusing on pili); Cebu in Region VII (focusing on advanced manufacturing); Cagayan De Oro in Region X (focusing on processed food); and Davao in Region XI (focusing on functional food).