Strengthening ASEAN Start-ups' International Connectivity: Lessons, Challenges, and Opportunities

ERIA Digital Innovation and Sustainable Economy Centre (E-DISC) and Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)

No 2026-RPR-09 in Books from Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)

Abstract: Whilst cross-border collaboration has become a key strategic growth objective for many Southeast Asian start-ups, navigating the region’s diverse markets, regulatory environments, and institutional landscapes with limited resources requires a deliberate and structured approach. This report provides practical guidance for start-up founders seeking to identify, pursue, and maximise international business opportunities. Drawing on case studies of four start-ups at different stages of development and operating in diverse sectors – Betterteem (the Philippines), Privy (Indonesia), UniFAHS (Thailand), and SWAT Mobility (Singapore) – the study examines a range of cross-border collaboration models adopted by ASEAN start-ups. It analyses key success factors, implementation challenges, lessons learned, and common barriers to regional expansion. Based on these case studies, the report identifies effective cross-border collaboration strategies and presents a practical framework for categorising and implementing them. The framework is organised around two primary dimensions: strategic objectives – market access, capital mobilisation, talent development, and research and development (R&D) advancement – and the different categories of partners available to start-ups. Beyond providing guidance for founders, the report offers insights for ecosystem builders, including policymakers, investors, incubators, and industry organisations, seeking to foster a more enabling environment for cross-border growth and regional innovation.

Date: 2026
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.eria.org/uploads/Strengthening-ASEAN-S ... al-Connectivity.pdf/

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:era:eriabk:2026-rpr-09

Access Statistics for this book

More books in Books from Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) Contact information at EDIRC.
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Ranti Amelia ( this e-mail address is bad, please contact ).