Скачать или смотреть The Role of Development Institutes in Innovation Ecosystem Ecosystem

The Role of Development Institutions in Building Innovation Ecosystem |
Jenny Jenish kyzy x Reito Kawabata (JICA)

In this conversation, Jenny Jenish kyzy, Venture Partner at Big Sky Capital VC, Founder of
Impact Design, and CAMCA Network Member, speaks with Reito Kawabata, Representative
of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), about the role of international
development institutions in shaping the innovation landscape of Mongolia and the emerging
market.
JICA, as Japan’s governmental cooperation agency, has long played a central role in
supporting economic and social development across Asia and the CAMCA region. In this
interview, Kawabata highlighted why strengthening the IT sector is key to Mongolia’s
growth and diversification, given the country’s challenge as a landlocked economy. She
shared best practices from JICA’s work, showing how development institutions can catalyze.
entrepreneurship, build capacity, and nurture the broader innovation ecosystem.
Interviewer Jenny raises a question: while Japan is actively supporting entrepreneurs in
Mongolia and other emerging markets, is it difficult for these startups to enter Japan’s own
market? Kawabata responded by pointing to one of Japan’s most pressing challenges, its
aging population. She noted that startups and companies from countries like Mongolia, with
their younger demographics and dynamic innovation potential, are in fact increasingly needed
in Japan.
This dialogue underscores the importance of international cooperation and highlights how
institutions like JICA contribute not only to Mongolia’s development but also to the wider
CAMCA region by nurturing entrepreneurship and building bridges for global innovation.
This short interview was recorded ahead of the CAMCA Regional Forum panel session
“CAMCA TechBiz Round Table” in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, June 2025.