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The answer - the R&D effort has assisted our SMEs in several ways that have enhanced their competitiveness.
First, SMEs need manpower to develop and execute an R&D plan.
The Get-Up (Growing Enterprises through Technology Upgrade) programme
serves this purpose and is specifically targeted for that reason.
This inter-agency initiative is led by A*STAR but it also involves EDB, IE Singapore and SPRING Singapore.
It has benefited over 400 SMEs in sectors such as electronics, chemicals
and biomedical sciences, with the secondment of 460 A*STAR researchers.
Second, SMEs need time to translate technology and intellectual property (IP) into commercialised products and services.
Under the new "Headstart" programme that A*STAR
has launched, all local SMEs who collaborate with A*STAR will enjoy 18 months of royalty-free
and exclusive IP licenses for IP arising from the collaboration.
Third, SMEs need technology to be accessible. That is the goal of the Technology Adoption
That is the goal of the Technology Adoption Programme (TAP), which was launched last year.
Under this programme, teams of A*STAR intermediaries
link SMEs with solution providers to customise and implement technology solutions, as well
as conduct training for such technology adoption. About 200 SMEs in the construction, food manufacturing,
aerospace, marine, precision engineering and retail sectors have benefited so far.
To foster networking and even more TAP collaborations, A*STAR is organising its inaugural "SME Day"
next month involving businesses, A*STAR research institutes, and technology providers.
There is scope for us to do more. Hence, A*STAR will expand TAP to the food services, healthcare,
logistics and infocomm-media sectors. With this expansion, more companies will be
able to leverage on technology to raise productivity and realise more business opportunities.