Targeting the sectors to nurture in an era of disruption

IN today's era of disruption, where there is an explosion in automation, the takeoff of artificial intelligence, and rapid advances in fields such as nanotechnology, how can a small open economy like Singapore know which sectors to foster so as to maintain its competitive edge?

Such disruption is affecting just about every aspect of society - from daily living to work processes, industrial strategies and the way the government functions - and upending entire business models. Traditional jobs in nearly every sector from manufacturing to services are being redesigned or made irrelevant. A key concern will be continuing shortages in the high-skilled workforce that companies will need in order to compete.

The government will need to manage these issues while they embrace digitisation. Leaders must understand which technologies will bring the most disruption, and craft policies to help prepare the citizens for tomorrow's lifestyles and work patterns. But which industries or sectors will hone the country's competitive edge and help it prosper?