THE EMBEDDEDNESS OF THE R & D TENANTS WITHIN A SPATIAL CONTEXT

Abstract

Singapore‟s R&D industry is largely dependent on the knowledge transfer of large corporations rather than through indigenous technological development efforts. Hence, with the increase pressure and competition from rising NIEs1, Singapore must focus on improving and exploiting its current strengths by finding out the local attributes which affect the embeddedness of R&D tenants. By doing so, Singapore can maximize its superior R&D infrastructure and developments in order to retain its competitiveness in the R&D industry. The above issues lead to the research of this paper which found that spatial proximity is necessary to facilitate synergetic relationships but does not necessary enhance R&D activities. Data from in-depth interviews and survey also reveal that social infrastructure have equal importance (as superior facilities) in creating a conducive environment by not only creating a sense of identity and belonging to the local R&D but also help stimulate the R&D activities such as joint partnerships and synergetic collaborations. Hence, Singapore should continue to enhance its current policies and infrastructure to encourage unique yet dynamic relationships and networks which might represents a formidable competitive barrier as it prevents competitors from simply imitating the process. Moreover, as these synergetic relationship matures, the embeddedness of R&D firms would be deepened as the networks cultivate the application of new technologies because they encourage the entry of small medium enterprises, indigenious firms and innovative product experimentation.