Technology upgrading of Small-and-Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) through a manpower secondment strategy – A mixed-methods study of Singapore's T-Up program. (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ho, Yuen-Ping; Ruan, Yi; Hang, Chang-Chieh; Wong, Poh-Kam
• Is Part Of: Technovation. Volume 57/58(2016)
• Page Start: 21
• Page End: 29
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: Technology transfer -- Public research institutes -- Small-and-Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) -- Open innovation; Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Industrial management -- Periodicals; Innovations -- Périodiques; Gestion d'entreprise -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 658.57
• DOI: 10.1016/j.technovation.2016.07.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0166-4972

Abstract

Abstract: This paper outlines a scheme that uses manpower from public research institutes to assist the technology upgrading of Small-and-Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The Growing Enterprises through Technology Upgrading (GET-Up) initiative has been successfully implemented in Singapore since 2003. The key program in the initiative is a manpower secondment scheme (i.e. a temporary placement of manpower in a different organization) known as T-Up. We propose that T-Up represents a new approach to technology transfer which additionally maximizes the industrial impact of public sector research. Instead of traditional technology transfer modes which are transactions-based, T-Up utilizes skills and human resource transfer through secondment of public sector researchers. Findings from two surveys conducted in 2005 and 2012 show that the T-Up secondment program had positive impact on the technological capabilities, innovation performance and growth of participating companies. Additionally, case studies highlight that this approach addresses a wide range of challenges faced by local SMEs and is flexible enough to cater to specific needs and requirements.