DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez MANILA - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is boosting research and development (R&D) by making it more accessible across the country. In his message during the Asean Summit on Spin-Off Technologies Tuesday, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said the agency is organizing Regional Inclusive Innovations Centers (RIICs) throughout the country to democratize the development of startup communities. Lopez said R&D is the "real heart" and the "DNA" of entrepreneurship, thus making it inclusive will enable more startup communities and support young entrepreneurial talents in technology and creative industries. RIICs serve as the integrating portal to region-based resources that can be tapped by entrepreneurs. Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can also utilize the RIIC to position their products in the global value chain to ensure that they have competitive edge in the global market. "The presence of startup enterprises capit