Tools
UNIDO Methodology
Standard instruments and methods
In the framework of its programme, UNIDO has been surveying, designing and developing standard instruments and methods for the development of industrial subcontracting, sourcing and partnership relations. It has been working on:
- Policy issues and industrial legislation;
- Guide on the creation and operation of SPXs;
- Computer programmes for database management
- Subcontracting nomenclatures and terminologies;
- Legal statutes for establishing autonomous SPXs;
- Legal guidelines and model contracts for establishing subcontracting agreements;
- Guidelines on the organization of subcontracting fairs;
- Brochures and videotapes that draw attention to the advantages of subcontracting and partnership.
Important Note: Most of these documents, guides and manuals describing UNIDO methodology and tools are part and parcel of a package of a Technical Assistance (TA) project which can only be provided to institutions actually establishing SPXs and accompanied by technical expertise and specialized training.
UNIDO's Strategy Approach
Accessing global subcontracting and supply chain markets
The UNIDO Supply Chain Development Programme (SCDP) is at the forefront in assisting developing countries to connect to the global subcontracting and supply chain networks. SCDP aims at increasing the productivity and sustainable economic progress through enabling public-private sector institutions to establish or strengthen linkages with national and international production systems and global value chains for global partnerships and integration of developing countries into the world economy.
Building up the supply: SPX Development and Networks
Establishing and reinforcing Subcontracting and Partnership Exchanges (SPXs), designed to facilitate production linkages between small, medium and large manufacturing firms and to link up with global markets and value chains. SPXs are technical information, and matchmaking centres for industrial subcontracting and partnerships between buyers and suppliers, aiming at optimising the manufacturing capacities of the affiliated industries.
The SPX development and Networking contributes to develop and improve the efficiency of the global outsourcing and suppliers network through the development of more than 56 SPXs based in over 30 countries. This unique UNIDO methodology and the well-established global network have now emerged as a vital support mechanism for industrial subcontracting and partnership promotion. In the last 20 years, some 65 SPXs have been established of which 56 are still operating on an auto-financed basis.
Linking-up with the Demand: Supply Chain Partnerships
Organizing, jointly with SPXs, which act as facilitators or brokers, "Supply Development and Upgrading Programmes" to provide assistance to clusters of small-scale suppliers and subcontractors, in order to upgrade their technical and commercial skills and their capability to meet quality requirements of the international buyers and main contractors.
Subcontracting, supply and partnership relations between industries of various types and sizes, especially between large and small enterprises, is a feature of every modern industrial economy. Because industrial subcontracting and similar forms of linkages between small and large industries are so complex and so important for the development of the SMEs that act as subcontractors or suppliers, UNIDO has launched a special programme for the promotion of industrial subcontracting and partnership.
The object of the UNIDO programme is to reinforce the capacity of SMEs in developing countries, as well as countries with economies in transition, to increase their production and employment, to upgrade their manufacturing processes and products, to improve their productivity and international competitiveness, to encourage import substitution and to promote the export of manufactures products from the SME sector. The programme also contributes to the optimal allocation of industrial resources and thus to national industrial growth and integration. At the same time, it contributes to the international redeployment of manufacturing facilities and the transfer of industrial technology and know-how to the SME sector in developing countries.
