SMEs to get research support to promote innovation

This is a part of the government's bid to have all business sectors emerge stronger post-pandemic.

Small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) may be provided research advice by folding them into existing government programmes.

According to Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng, the government “will continue to support SMEs that lack access to research talent through the Technology for Enterprise Capability Upgrading (T-Up) programme."

"Under T-Up, A*STAR seconds research talent to SMEs to enhance their innovation capabilities,” Leng said during the Industry Committee of Supply debate on 2 March.

He also said SMEs can also avail of the Innovation Advisors programme and its network of exports from various fields.

“We will continue to support our enterprises, including SMEs, to benefit from R&D and innovation, particularly in areas that have delivered outsized returns,” he added.