Managing technology dynamics-a framework for national R&D planning

Abstract

The paper deals with the role end dynamics of national technology development and R&D planning in the case of Singapore. The country's past strategy in overcoming inherent factor disadvantages and the current strategy to meet the ongoing challenges in coping with structural changes are briefly reviewed. A framework for further growth is proposed by suggesting a distributed effort in technology development. The framework incorporates a national R&D planning matrix which proposes a division of labour in R&D among the major sectors or players of the industry to undertake various types or levels of R&D tasks. The importance of organisational learning at national level is also emphasised as vital to generate the technology shift to higher level of competence and sophistication.