Consequently, DI is working towards expanding its network in developing countries, transitional economies and emerging markets. To comply with this objective DI's Business Environment Unit has since 1996 participated in a constantly increasing number of capacity building programmes with business associations in Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America.
The profile of DI's Business Environment Unit
The Unit has specialised in creating global networks through partnerships. Working with local institutions and donors, the unit has assisted with creating sustainable business asso-ciations with growth potential in 40 countries around the world - and piloted Integrated In-dustry Programs, Bottom of the Pyramid Strategies and Responsible Corporate Citizenship initiatives. Using DI knowledge and best practices, the unit has great experience building centres of excellence and labour market institutions in transitional economies.
Why strengthen business associations?
The creation of sustainable jobs is one of the main routes to poverty reduction. Such jobs are primarily created by the private sector, however, in most developing countries, the private sector faces a range of growth constraints, which inhibits job creation.
Business associations play a vital role in removing these constraints. They have the potential of becoming central players in private sector development through their unique outreach, central position as service providers and the long term nature of their activities.
What are the private sector benefits of business association support?
By supporting business associations it is possible to build institutions that are able to act as intermediaries between private business and government. A well-functioning dialogue be-tween the private sector and government is a prerequisite for bringing attention to growth constraints and thus securing that the necessary information for creating an enabling busi-ness environment is available to all stakeholders.
In addition, business associations have often demonstrated resilience as neutral platforms for dialogue with governments in countries that lack well established civil societies. In coun-tries that fail to meet the criteria for democracy, business often still receives attention. Con-sequently, business associations are able to remain as active players despite adverse condi-tions and become important in civil society development.
Local and international networking
Business associations are also natural platforms for creating business linkages. By providing the framework for networking activities, companies in developing countries have improved access to both local and international decision makers, that may be impossible to reach oth-erwise. As a consequence they are able to expand the networks that are becoming increasingly important in global competition.
Business associations offer significant advantages in provision of business development ser-vices (BDS). BDS markets in developing countries are often underdeveloped. Through their outreach and ability to gauge the trends in private business, the design and impact of BDS programmes can be improved by co-operating with BMO's - and by making them sustainable service providers in the long term.
Why work with DI
DI has experience from working with more than 50 business associations from 4 continents in partnership with Danida, the World Bank Group, the European Union and other devel-opment partners. The projects are diverse spanning from long term twinning arrangements to short topical courses on business association services.
These experiences have been compiled into a set of international best practices within busi-ness association strategy, management, advocacy, services and networking that can be adapted and applied to various country settings. However, always with a view to the unique-ness of each business association, the personalities involved and the country specific chal-lenges.
400 experts
DI is able to combine the resources of the Business Environment Unit that specialises in business association strategy, long term development and best practices with 400 experts in DI's departments that supply unique specialist knowledge about practical business associa-tion operation. As a consequence DI is able to provide development experience and expert credibility into development programmes.
Constant involvement in both industrialised and developing countries enables DI to combine experience in development challenges with the latest developments in the industrialised countries. The advantage is simultaneously be able to look ahead and inspire, and provide workable solutions to present problems.