Imagine a business that once served 1,000 customers at a fixed cost. By automating its processes, the same investment now allows it to serve 1,200, 2,000, or even more customers without a proportional rise in expenses. This is the essence of growth in trade and business: increasing productivity, efficiency, and ultimately revenue by doing more with the same resources.

In many cases, businesses typically don’t lower their prices when they become more efficient. Instead, they retain the same pricing structure, which means they generate higher profits per transaction. However, when a critical mass of businesses upgrades their capabilities through automation, competition intensifies. The resulting pressure pushes prices downward, turning once-unique services into commodities that become a standard part of every value chain. Think of how everyday IT solutions or office tools become ingrained in our operational fabric once they’re widely available and cost-effective.

Consider the impact of providing more companies and even students with access to ERP systems, accounting software, office suites, or IoT devices. Initially, these technologies boost the competitiveness of MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) by dramatically reducing the cost of delivering IT-based services. Early adopters are the first to capitalize on these efficiencies—they operate at lower costs while selling at conventional prices. Some even manage to upsell additional features or offer improved services, creating a unique market edge. In contrast, late adopters often find themselves forced to compete primarily on price if they cannot offer any distinguishing features.

When many companies embrace and differentiate themselves through technology, growth takes on a broader meaning. It becomes not just a matter of cost-saving but also of expanding market reach. Automated fulfillment systems, streamlined logistics, and enhanced service delivery enable a business to transition from serving hundreds or thousands of customers to tens of thousands. Growth, in this context, means selling more products and services while leveraging technology to set new industry standards—an evolution from efficiency to market expansion.

This drive for growth isn’t confined to individual companies. It extends into the marketplace and even national economic strategies. As early adopters of technology innovate, the market diversifies. Consumers find themselves with more options—from farm-to-table services and prepackaged meals to maintenance, construction, and specialized technical services. The ripple effect of widespread technological adoption is evident: products become more durable, services more optimized, and transactions more frequent, fostering a competitive ecosystem where choice and efficiency reign.

Moreover, our capabilities are further enhanced when we incorporate advanced technologies such as AI-driven RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) systems, fine-tuning mechanisms like LoRA and LyCORIS, and sophisticated mixtures-of-experts that optimize and personalize services. Nations like the Philippines stand to benefit immensely from this shift. The country’s expertise in engineering, robotics, and digital services can position it as a hub for global technology services. Filipino professionals may soon run AI fine-tuning services, offering consulting on everything from token-based transactions in digital models to customized engineering solutions. This isn’t just about improving operational efficiencies—it’s about opening new revenue streams by exporting knowledge, technology, and innovation.
For business and government to move forward in this dynamic landscape, a few key actions stand out:

Investment in Technology and Automation

Business: Invest in digital tools that increase operational capacity without a proportional cost increase.

Government: Create incentives and supportive regulatory frameworks to foster technological upgrades across industries.

Support for Early Adopters and Innovation

Business: Empower early adopters to drive value by scaling innovative solutions and differentiating their offerings.

Government: Establish programs to support SMEs in technology integration, ensuring they can keep pace with global competition.

Focus on Skills and Knowledge Transfer

Business: Prioritize training and development to leverage new systems effectively, attracting top talent and expertise.

Government: Invest in education and vocational training programs to prepare the workforce for a technology-driven economy

Encourage Ecosystem Building

Business: Form partnerships that integrate advanced technologies across supply chains and value networks.

Government: Foster collaborative environments where academia, industry, and technology providers can innovate together, enhancing overall competitiveness.

In sum, growth in the context of trade and business is not merely about cost-cutting—it’s about harnessing technology to deliver more value, reach broader markets, and create an ecosystem where quality, innovation, and efficiency drive progress. As we continue to integrate digital tools into every facet of business, the future points toward a thriving marketplace where enhanced productivity and differentiated services pave the way for sustainable economic development.