THE DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATION MANPOWER FOR A KNOWLEDGE-BASED ECONOMY: THE SINGAPORE APPROACH

This article explores the Singapore approach to the strategic development of innovation manpower for the achievement of a knowledge-based economy. The country has placed a great emphasis on the development of science and technology in selected areas since the late 1980s. Substantial resources have been allocated to the promotion of innovation activities and the development of research scientists and engineers. However, the shortage of R&D manpower remains an emerging issue. In addition to encouraging local science and engineering graduates to pursue R&D as their life-long career, both public research institutions and private industry have been recruiting international talents. Furthermore, a number of strategic measures such as R&D assistance schemes, the reform of traditional education systems, cross-sector collaborations and the development of international R&D networks have been implemented in order to strengthen the technological core competence of the country.