Growing Enterprises through Technology Upgrade (GET-Up)

Back to Atlas

The Growing Enterprises through Technology Upgrade (GET-Up) program is designed to help local enterprises enhance their business competitiveness through technological advancements.
What are the main aims and objectives?

The Growing Enterprises through Technology Upgrade (GET-Up) Program aims to bolster the competitiveness of local enterprises through technological enhancements. The primary objectives of the GET-Up program include providing strategic guidance and support for businesses to upgrade their technological capabilities, fostering innovation, facilitating access to expert knowledge and resources, increase their R&D capabilities, develop new products/processes, transfer technology, and solve their technical problems through a technology upgrade.

How does the program work?

Growing Enterprises through Technology Upgrade (GET-Up) Programme works to boost the global competitiveness of the local technology enterprises by providing them with technical assistance. For instance, the Technology for Enterprise Capability Upgrading (T-UP) scheme – one of GET-Up’s options – connects businesses with competent researchers, scientists, and engineers. Eligible companies are provided with funding to cover up to 70 per cent of the salaries of research employees for up to two years to help them kick-start their R&D capacities.

The Programme has three assistance schemes:

1. Operation and Technology Roadmap (OTR)

  • Purpose: The OTR provides a comprehensive strategic review of a company's technology and business operations.
  • Process: Facilitated by A*STAR, the company's senior management actively participates in the review to align their technology strategies with future market demands and challenges.
  • Outcome: This initiative helps enterprises identify necessary technological advancements to capture new market opportunities.

2. Technology for Enterprise Capability Upgrading (T-Up)

  • Purpose: T-Up aims to enhance the R&D capabilities of local enterprises by seconding A*STAR's Research Scientists and Engineers (RSEs) to these companies for up to two years.
  • Eligibility: Open to local enterprises with at least 30% local shareholding, committed to undertaking R&D or innovative projects.
  • Financial Support: Provides up to 70% of eligible costs for SMEs or startups, capped at S$250,000 per project. This support includes overseas research costs such as living allowances and airfare.
  • Outcome: The program enables companies to leverage A*STAR’s expertise to develop cutting-edge technologies, thus improving their competitive edge.

3. Technical Advisory Support (TA)

  • Purpose: TA offers professional advice from senior A*STAR research staff on technological challenges and planning.
  • Process: Enterprises can consult these experts to formulate effective technology strategies and ensure the successful implementation of their R&D projects.
  • Outcome: This ongoing support helps companies sustain their technological growth and competitiveness
What is the overall cost?

There is currently no information about the cost of the GET-Up program. 

How was it implemented?

Introduced in 2003, the Growing Enterprises through Technology Upgrade (GET-Up) program was conceived as part of Singapore's broader strategy to enhance the technological capabilities and global competitiveness of local enterprises. Here are the key factors and steps involved in the creation of the GET-Up program:

Strategic Vision

  • National Innovation Agenda: The creation of the GET-Up program aligns with Singapore's national agenda to foster innovation, enhance productivity, and drive economic growth through technology.
  • Support for SMEs: Recognizing the vital role that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play in the economy, the Singapore government aimed to provide targeted support to help these businesses upgrade their technological capabilities.

Stakeholders and Collaboration

  • A*STAR: The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) was tasked with developing and implementing the program. As a key driver of research and innovation in Singapore, ASTAR leveraged its extensive network of research institutes and expertise.
  • Industry Collaboration: Collaboration with industry stakeholders ensured that the program addressed the specific needs and challenges faced by local enterprises.

Program Development

  • Assessment of Needs: A comprehensive assessment of the technological needs and gaps of local enterprises was conducted. This involved consulting with industry players, analyzing market trends, and identifying areas where technological enhancements could yield significant benefits.
  • Designing the Framework: Based on the assessment, A*STAR designed a multi-faceted framework encompassing strategic planning, R&D support, and technical advisory services. This framework aimed to provide holistic support to enterprises at various stages of their technological journey.

Implementation

  • Pilot Phase: The program began with a pilot phase to test its effectiveness and make necessary adjustments. Feedback from participating enterprises was crucial in refining the program components.
  • Scaling Up: After the successful pilot phase, the GET-Up program was scaled up to reach more enterprises. Continuous monitoring and evaluation ensured that the program remained relevant and impactful.
What impact has been measured?

A 2013 survey of companies participating in the Technology for Enterprise Capability Upgrading (T-Up) scheme, a key component of GET-Up, revealed significant benefits:

  • Respondents reported a 7% increase in sales revenue growth over the previous three years.
  • They also experienced a 15% increase in employment growth during the same period.
  • 79% of T-Up respondents had launched new products in the last three years, with 52% launching two or more new products.

By 2013, the GET-Up initiative had benefited over 400 companies across various sectors, including electronic, infocomm, chemical, and biomedical science clusters

Academic research has also examined the initiative's effectiveness with findings from surveys and selected case studies showing that the scheme had a positive impact on technological capabilities, innovation performance, and competitiveness of participating firms

What lessons can be learned?

The Growing Enterprises through Technology Upgrade (GET-Up) Program offers several valuable lessons that can guide similar initiatives aimed at enhancing technological capabilities and competitiveness of enterprises:

1. Importance of Strategic Planning

  • Comprehensive Roadmapping: The Operation and Technology Roadmap (OTR) component demonstrates the importance of aligning business operations with future market demands. Strategic planning exercises help enterprises anticipate challenges and identify opportunities for growth through technological innovation.

2. Collaboration Between Industry and Research Institutions

  • Leveraging Expertise: The success of the T-Up scheme underscores the value of collaboration between industry and research institutions. By seconding research scientists and engineers to local enterprises, the program facilitated knowledge transfer and innovation, which are crucial for technological advancements.
  • Mutual Benefits: Such collaborations create a win-win situation where research institutions gain practical insights into industry needs, and businesses benefit from cutting-edge research and expertise.

3. Financial Support as a Catalyst for Innovation

  • Substantial Financial Aid: Providing financial support for R&D projects, particularly for SMEs and startups, can significantly lower the barriers to innovation. The GET-Up program’s funding model demonstrates how targeted financial assistance can enable enterprises to undertake ambitious technology projects that they might not have pursued otherwise.

4. Continuous Improvement and Feedback Mechanism

  • Iterative Development: The GET-Up program’s pilot phase and subsequent scaling-up highlight the importance of iterative development and continuous improvement. Regular feedback from participating enterprises ensures that the program remains relevant and effective.
  • Adaptability: Programs must be adaptable to evolving technological trends and market needs, ensuring that they continue to provide meaningful support to enterprises.

CURATED BY

Chris Haley

Head of Research
United Kingdom