Government development assistance programmes (GDAPs) for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in a knowledge-based economy

摘要

For many decades, Singapore has been enjoying strong economic growth and a high standard of living. Amidst growing competition from low-cost neighbouring countries and an economic downturn after the 1997/98 East Asian crisis, the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) is strategising Singapore's capabilities to justify her cost premium in a knowledge-based economy. The assistance schemes for entrepreneurs, such as Technopreneurship 21, Business Angel Fund and Technopreneurship Investment Fund (TIF) are targeted specifically at high-tech startups in knowledge-based and emerging sectors in Singapore. This paper examines the issues small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face in the application process of the GDAPs. It also investigates the extent of usage and relevance of the GDAPs to SMEs and makes some recommendations.