USER REQUIREMENTS OF THE TECHNOPRENEUR CENTRE

Abstract

Singapore, as a nation, is moving towards a knowledge-based economy. Such an economy is basically one powered by the exchange of knowledge and technology as well as the provision of technologically advanced services. To maintain competitiveness in the global arena, the government has recognized that Singapore requires a world class infrastructure system. The government, in a bid to realize its goal has called upon its various ministries and statutory boards to ensure proper land-use planning. Indeed, this has since led to the construction of more flatted factories and business and science parks and technology parks to cater to the New Economy. As Singapore moves towards the New Economy, there is a significant change in the nature of industries in the 21s1 Century. Technologically intensive businesses may give rise to a totally new set of user profiles. Indeed, this study was carried out with the Technopreneur Centre as a case study model to document any possible changes in user requirements. In determining the appropriate user requirements for the necessary infrastructure, a survey was carried out to find out if location and accessibility, site layout, presence of adequate car-parking facilities and on -site services, terms of tenure and occupancy as well as the cost of rental played vital roles in affecting the decision of whether or not to locate one's factory on the techno-parks' premises Briefly, the study has since shown that the downside of situating one's factory at the Technopreneur Centre is its lack of flexibility for expansion and the high cost of relocation. Reasons for its suitability on the other hand are its good location and accessibility to the transportation network Overall, with results gleaned from the survey done on the case study model, it was found that the facilities and services found on the premises of the Technopreneur Centre were satisfactory and many would want to locate their firms there. However, there are still improvements to be made as this is a very new concept and it is hoped that the data gathered from this study can be used by planners in formulating and implementing future policies.