In the framework of EBSOMED project, the Center of Arab Women for Training and Research (CAWTAR) organized in Tunis, Tunisia, on 29 and 30 November 2019 a BSO Management Academy on the topic “Design Thinking for Business Support Organizations - BSOs.”

More than 30 BSOs executives from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon participated in the Academy – an event that falls under the outcomes of the first Management Academy on Strategic Planning for BSOs, previously held in Lebanon.

Design thinking is a structured methodology used to develop and deliver products, services, and experiences that address latent needs. By adopting design thinking principles, BSOs can build on low-cost working prototypes for various requirements and test them in real-time.

After a brief introduction of the participants, Mr Marco Cunetto, EBSOMED Project Coordinator, explained how the cycle of BSO Management academies implemented as part of the project works and how this can help BSOs adjust their management and operational performance, their governance structures and marketing strategies to better position, promote and deliver finer services to their SMEs.

The various workshops that followed, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the different actors, and the construction of concrete and effective business networks in order to succeed in the development of high value-added services. The presentation of success stories and the exchange of best practices enabled the participants to refine and improve their visions and strategic direction to strengthen the capacity of their organisations.