This is the foundational document of the non-profit organization that would later become Atenea NFP, registered in the USA. See our website for more information: atenea.com.ve
Introduction
Venezuela is in agony and it is necessary to intervene urgently, in an innovative and decisive manner, generating favorable results in a short time, but with a vision for the medium and long term.
Currently, there are many associations, both nationally and internationally, that have collaborated in saving many lives in Venezuela and therefore deserve recognition for their amazing work. However, their impact has not been long-lasting, so problems continue to arise and a definitive solution is not in sight. Faced with such a situation, there is an immediate need to establish an international organization that does not replace the indispensable and commendable work of these associations, but rather complements it by addressing other medium and long-term aspects.
Vision
The vision of this new organization focuses on the sustainable reconstruction of Venezuela, through the increment and diversification of exports, thereby increasing the gross domestic product, revaluing the national currency, and improving the quality of life of its citizens on a global scale.
Objectives
The overall objective of this plan is to enhance the productive capacity and service offerings of Venezuelan companies worldwide.
To achieve this, the following specific objectives have been stipulated:
- Establish an apolitical international organization to act as a coordinator/facilitator of activities to be carried out abroad and in Venezuela;
- Establish a university network to generate and disseminate the necessary methodologies and training materials to support the internationalization of existing and newly formed Venezuelan companies;
- Form networks of Venezuelans in each country to coordinate local activities, train their members, conduct market studies, promote national products and services, and establish, or facilitate the establishment of, commercial and academic agreements.
- Create incubators and accelerators aimed at the formation, empowerment, and consolidation of Venezuelan companies at the international level, through the collaboration with universities, financial institutions, investors, and companies.
- Implement a digital platform that facilitates international trade by connecting Venezuelan companies with customers abroad, ensuring compliance with supplier ethics codes and safeguarding labor conditions, as well as different standards related to each category of products or services. The platform will charge a commission to be reinvested in this business ecosystem through incubators and accelerators, supporting non-profit associations transparently. University support in creating this platform is of utmost importance.
Obstacles
The current political-economic situation of the country presents a series of obstacles that could hinder the achievement of the objectives. Therefore, before proceeding, it’s essential to analyze them and define strategies to successfully overcome them.
On one hand, there is a scarcity of fuel, and there are occasional nationwide power outages, but more frequently in the interior of the country. On the other hand, unfortunately, a very small percentage of the population has access to the technologies that would enable the dissemination of knowledge and the development of essential skills to achieve the objective of this first phase more efficiently and effectively.
Additionally, like in any country, different sectors of the population have varying levels of academic education. Therefore, knowledge should be transmitted in accordance with the preparation of each of these levels in a coherent manner without degenerating its essence, either through oversimplification or through politicization or corruption.
Another aspect to address is the political partisanship that has divided the country for years and must be overcome. The reconstruction of Venezuela goes hand in hand with the reunification of its population. Therefore, the execution of this plan must favor the integration of all sectors of the population without discrimination, whether based on race, gender, or political inclination.
It’s also important to consider the impact of the recent COVID-19 virus, its different strains, and the respective health measures to prevent its spread and contagion. Of particular relevance are the limitations on conducting in-person group training sessions and on the transportation of products and materials.
Another aspect to consider is the unpredictability and instability of supply chains in Venezuela: no stochastic model is applicable. The formulas that determine the reorder point are no longer valid for inventory management since suppliers change every day—mainly due to failed monetary policies—and the transportation system or infrastructure is not reliable. Import/export operations have become cumbersome and arbitrary, while ranchers and farmers are forced to pay “vaccines” (fees). Costs, and consequently prices, are unpredictable due to the vicious circle of inflation and depreciation that seemingly never ends.
Unfortunately, these factors, among others, have resulted in food and medicine shortages, malnutrition, and child prostitution, devastating homicide rates, bureaucratic overload, rampant brain drain, and the absence of international investors.
Stakeholder Groups
The stakeholders can be organized into three main groups comprising Venezuelans in Venezuela, Venezuelans abroad, and members of the new coordinating/facilitating organization, as well as other individuals abroad who wish to collaborate with the cause.
At the national level, university communities would take the lead through the development of methodologies and training materials necessary to support the internationalization of Venezuelan companies and their transmission as multiplier agents, thus expanding the reach of the plan and reaching the most remote corners of the country. Additionally, university projects could be oriented towards the reconstruction of Venezuela, such as the platform mentioned in the objectives.
Meanwhile, the prominence at the international level would be evident in those groups of people who carry out the training and empowerment of their members, the conduct of market studies, and the subsequent identification of commercial opportunities for the export of products and services made in and offered from Venezuela, respectively.
Finally, a group would be created composed of Venezuelans residing both in the country and abroad. This third group would be responsible for coordinating, mediating, and expediting international trade exchanges through the respective technological and logistical platforms. Additionally, this group would include a committee responsible for inter-university scientific research to optimize production processes and improve the quality of products and services. It would also establish guidelines for the developed methodology to be applied in other countries in crisis or those that see opportunities for improvement through its application.
High-Level Flowchart
References
Cavalieri, R. H. (2015). El pensamiento alemán y la idea del Estado social de derecho. Una breve aproximación general (desde Adenauer hasta Alexy). Anuario2015, 481.
Dini, V. (2018). Worker Participation as a Means of Overcoming the Venezuelan Crisis. Available at: https://vickdini.com/2018/10/13/worker-participation-as-a-means-of-overcoming-the-venezuelan-crisis/.
