ITC launches benchmarking web platform for TSI performance
Trade support institutions (TSIs), including trade promotion organizations (TPOs), can for the first time compare their level of performance against that of other TSIs using the International Trade Centre’s (ITC) newly launched online benchmarking platform, which provides a global standard for measuring TSI efficiency and effectiveness.
TSIs registered with the ITC benchmarking website can access individualized reports that assess their managerial and operational effectiveness. They can also compare the results to a set of baseline scores. Senior management of TSIs can use the findings to set objectives, prioritize areas for improvement and implement new ways of working.
‘The assessment can serve as a good indicator to show where we are at, as well as a good pointer to where we should be and what we need to do to get there,’ said Leroy McClean, Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation. ‘The insight offered could certainly steer us on the right path to export development and promotion with respect to internationally accepted good practice.’
Giovanni Berti, Chief Executive Officer of the Export and Investment Promotion Agency of El Salvador, said: ‘We positively value the methodology based on direct interaction with the benchmarking experts – a collaboration based on confidentiality, deep respect and professionalism.’
Kari Häyrinen, Chief Executive Officer of Finpro, the Finnish trade promotion organization, recommends the benchmarking ‘to all TPOs no matter the maturity, success or other features of the organization’.
Self-assessment
The platform provides an opportunity for TSIs to assess themselves using ITC’s benchmarking methodology, which consists of a qualitative analysis focusing on four key areas of management and operations: leadership and direction; resources and processes; products and service delivery; and measurement and results. TSIs can also request a full assisted assessment from ITC experts who make on-site visits to conduct in-depth interviews and provide a comprehensive report on strengths and weaknesses, along with recommended actions for improvement.
To ensure data confidentiality, TSIs cannot view individual results other than their own. However, they can use the platform to see how their performance compares with that of other benchmarked TSIs. They can also connect to a global network of institutions to share best practices and take advantage of the regularly updated collection of relevant case studies.
TSIs interested in registering with the ITC benchmarking website can e-mail benchmarking [at] intracen.org.