VIRTUAL BUSINESS MEETINGS WINNER

CONTEXT

The SME sector of the developing countries is adopting ICT, even if at a slow pace due to different factors. However, they consider ICT necessary and important to be used as an useful technological tool to gain access to wider markets (both at the local and international levels) and to carry out business at a low cost.

Thanks to its experience in the field, DEVNET has developed for the WINNER program a specific system (a technological platform and a management methodology) for Virtual Business Meetings (VBM)

What is the difference between the VBM system and other similar systems?

The VBM has been developed and implemented by taking into account the needs of the SME sector. Besides the  fact that such a system implies a reduction of cost in terms of travel and time for women entrepreneurs, the VBM allow them to access reliable information on the business counterpart and to establish a first contact. The system is user-friendly and it does not require fast connection to the internet. It is a tool which gives  the possibility of carrying out  medium and long-term trade agreements.

It has been designed as a portal in internet and it is characterized by the fact that there is a very good technical team who does not only manage and administer the system, but provides a customized service in real time.  Even if  women entrepreneurs could not directly register themselves in the portal, the direct contact with the WINNER technical team ensures that information (profile of the company) is checked thus guaranteeing quality and reliability which is required by the commercial counterpart.

Characteristics and methodology  of the Virtual Business Meetings

The objective of the system is to provide a pre-established number  of users with qualified contacts. WINNER National Coordinators do analyze and select the sector which will be discussed during the virtual meeting and then they select and get in contact with potential participating firms. Once the company profile has been checked  they are inserted in the system and become visible to users.  At a second stage, WINNER National Coordinators of the other WINNER member countries  and TIPS National Directors look for the most suitable partner.