Using Knowledge Networks

Another foundation of the technopreneurial revolution is the development of a SME Knowledge Clearinghouse. Guerrilla-style entrepreneurship is about leveraging on knowledge capital. However, ordinary entrepreneurs could not do a systematic and extensive search of the knowledge resource and support companies available to him.

There is a need to collate the different capabilities and achievements of R&D institutions to spur collaborative research. And to support this R&D network, a network covering all stages of the innovation chain from technology developers to prototype development support to financial, marketing and management assistance must be identified. But this is not enough. This organization must be composed of leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs who will:
1. Establish linkages with different groups and organizations towards the promotion and establishment of technology-based enterprises in the Philippines;
2. Be responsible for the creation and updating of a knowledge database that will cover the whole line of the innovation process from conceptualization to invention to exploitation;
3. Study, analyze and clarify linkage mechanisms between entrepreneurs and technology developers, manufacturing and marketing firms, and financial and investment sources; and
4. Conduct industry and market studies to identify and push business opportunities to industry players.

This is similar to the concept of Dr. Serafin Talisayon (Technology Management Center) of a Technology Clearinghouse that will link the technology producers and the technology buyers. Among the other services the technology clearinghouse can provide are the following:
· Taxonomy of technical products and services to allow classification, identification and matching of specific needs to specific suppliers;
· A set of updated directories for various technical fields;
· An assisted matching service, for buyers looking for sellers or vice-versa, or for companies looking for distributors, franchisees or strategic partners.

One possible evolution of the SME knowledge clearinghouse is to become a virtual technology business incubator which is a private entity engaged in the business of selling the complete range of business support facilities and services necessary to assist small enterprises to become viable, especially assistance in product and market development. This will complement the typical business incubator model that provides office space and financial assistance