ADB and Gojek to Initiate Research on Digitization, COVID-19 Impact
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Gojek both signed a collaboration agreement to conduct joint research on the impact of digitisation and the COVID-19 pandemic on the operations and development of Indonesia’s micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Chief Economist for ADB, Yasuyuki Sawada and Gojek Chief of Public Policy and Government Relations Shinto Nugroho both signed the agreement. It is ADB’s first formal research collaboration with Gojek, one of Indonesia’s prominent online platforms. The agreement outlines research into the benefits of business digitisation on MSMEs using Gojek’s extensive digital ecosystem.
“We are excited about this pioneering knowledge partnership with Gojek. This partnership will help assess how digital technology and facilitative platforms can support sustainable and inclusive economic development path. We can also assess how these will improve business resilience and enhance consumer welfare. Particularly within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mr Sawada. “We anticipate the findings of this research will help shape our policies for unique and innovative online platforms like Gojek. Thus, further, contribute to inclusive and sustainable development.”
Research Programme on Gojek Big Data
The collaboration is part of broader knowledge and support technical assistance program to assess the impact of digitisation on business resilience and consumer welfare during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research will include empirical analyses of Gojek’s big data to capture the effects of COVID-19 on small businesses; descriptions of emerging patterns; and studies to identify targeted policy measures, public interventions to enhance the impact of recovery, and growth programs post-COVID-19.
“We are excited to establish our partnership with ADB,” said Ms Nugroho. “We believe that the digital transformation through our platform contributes to our partners’ resilience during this pandemic and as we head towards recovery. In conclusion, our aim now is building upon our commitment to our ecosystem partners, during this pandemic,”
Gojek is a leading Southeast Asian on-demand, multi-service technology platform providing access to a wide range of services. These services include transport, payments, food delivery, and logistics. Over 190 million users across the region subscribe to Gojek’s services.
The ADB was established in 1966. Its headquarters is in Ortigas Centre, Metro Manila. Above all, ADB’s mission is to achieve a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty.
Visit the link here to find out more about the research collaboration.
