RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES AND INDUSTRIAL RESTRUCTURING : THE CASE FOR SINGAPORE

Abstract

In this paper, the importance of research and development (R&D) in our industrial restructuring is explored, operating policies directed at promoting R&D are identified, and policy options that could be effective in raising the level of technical capabilities in Singapore are indicated. R&D can be defined as any creative work undertaken to increase existing stock of knowledge and include basic, applied and development R&D. The concept of industrial restructuring is confined to restructuring in the manufacturing sector although in the case of Singapore, being a small city-state, it also means economic restructuring as well as urban restructuring. This is because the manufacturing sector is and will continue to be the core component of our economy. There are six chapters in this paper. Chapter I states the problem, justification and importance of the study. Chapter II defines the types and the roles of R&D in industrial development. Chapter III reasons the rationale for restructuring and identifies the key industries selected for priority development. Chapter IV analyses our competitive position in these industries vis-a-vis two other Newly Industrialising Countries, namely Hongkong and South Korea. Chapter V describes the present R&D situation and policies provided to encourage such activities. Finally, Chapter VI concludes the study by naming the difficulties encountered in performing R&D and offering some policy suggestions.