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KENNETH LIM @ ART PAGES
APPENDIX E
This overview of the National Technology Plan is a blueprint drawn by the Singapore Government to steer their country into the technological future. The copy below is circulated by the National Science and Technology Board within the INTERNET system, and is text captured for reference. Unfortunately, there is no file identification, or ISN address associated attached to it.
THE NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY PLAN
Despite the progress, when compared with other countries the achievements seem a little less impressive. In terms of expenditure, Singapore has lower expenditure not only in absolute terms due to its small size but also as a proportion of GDP. Similarly, the number of RSEs per 10,000 is significantly below the developed countries and other countries at a similar stage of development.
Foresight and planning lie at the crux of our mission. In 1991, the NSTB took on the strategic task of assessing the needs of S&T in Singapore and drawing up a National Technology Plan (NTP). Charted in consultation with over 200 experts from
both private and public sectors, the NTP will play a key role in setting national directions for the development of S&T in Singapore.
While the National Technology Plan (NTP) is comprehensive, it also seeks to be realistic. Via the NTP, the NSTB seeks to develop competence in selected new technologies where Singapore has, or could develop, a comparative advantage. The goal is not just technology per se, but technology which is relevant to Singapore's economic competitiveness. This means that the research efforts must be results-driven.
Two main goals have been established:
1. Total national expenditure on R&D should reach 2% of GDP by 1995. The private sector's share should account for approximately half.
2 The ratio of research scientists and engineers (RSE's) as a proportion of the labour force should reach 40 per 10,000 by 1995.
To achieve these targets, 5 basic thrusts have been defined in the NTP:
1. Government will commit $2 billion in support of industry-driven R&D over the next 5 years.
2. Recruitment and development of R&D manpower.
3. Provision of fiscal incentives and other assistance to &127encourage more R&D by the private sector.
4. Support for commercialisation of the fruits of R&D.
5. Development of technology infrastructure.
INTERNATIONAL LINKAGES IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
The NSTB serves as Singapore's ambassador to the international scientific community. It is active in fostering scientific cooperation --- both regionally and internationally. The objective is to tap overseas expertise in order to further develop Singapore's technological capabilities, while fostering increased personal and institutional contacts with scientific institutions and R&D oriented firms.
Apart from existing S&T cooperation agreements with selected countries, there are two other forums, namely, the ASEAN Committee on Science and Technology (COST) and the programmes organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
ASEAN Committee on Science and Technology
The ASEAN Committee on Science and Technology was &127established with the objective of promoting cooperation in science and technology within ASEAN. In addition to ASEAN members, the programmes include cooperation with the ASEAN dialogue partners --- Australia, Canada, EC, Japan, New Zealand, the US, plus the United Nations Development Programme.
Collaborative programmes are under way in the areas of food science, microelectronics, energy, meteorology and physics, marine sciences, biotechnology and materials science. There is also a more general programme targetted at the development of a better technology infrastructure and manpower base in member countries.
International Atomic Energy Agency
As a member of the IAEA, Singapore continues to benefit from its participation in various activities. The Agency conducts regular training courses/workshops as part of its efforts to foster the development of practical applications of nuclear technology.
In addition to the training programmes, the IAEA has funding programmes, the Programme for Technical Cooperation and the Research Contract Programme, to address the individual needs of member states.
Chapter 1: Attention for Sale: Capitalism and Interactive Computers Chapter 2: Defining Human-Computer Interaction Chapter 3: Representing our Worlds: Digital Translation Chapter 4: Digital Intelligence: Parallel flow of Multiples? Chapter 5: Japanese Philosophy & Artificial Intelligence Research Soundwaves Conclusion Appendix A, B, C, D, E, F, G Bibliography
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