Singapore’s RIE2030 to launch large-scale R&D programmes for key sectors, ‘strategic priorities’
Semiconductors among RIE Flagships’ target areas
[SINGAPORE] The Republic is launching two new types of “large-scale, cross-cutting” research and development programmes for key economic sectors and “strategic priorities”, respectively.
These are under the National Research Foundation’s (NRF) upcoming Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) 2030 plan, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister-in-charge of the NRF Gan Kim Yong on Tuesday (Sep 16).
The government consistently invests about 1 per cent of gross domestic product in such activities, with S$28 billion allocated over five years for the current RIE2025 plan, he noted in an Addendum to the President’s Address.
These investments focus on areas of “high impact and strategic importance”, including advanced manufacturing and engineering; health and biomedical sciences; sustainability and urban solutions; as well as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum and digital technologies.
“Building on RIE2025, RIE2030 will sharpen our focus on achieving transformative outcomes for the economy and national strategic priorities,” he said.
Two new types of R&D programmes will be launched: RIE Flagships for key economic sectors, and RIE Grand Challenges for “national strategic priorities”.
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At a separate event on Tuesday morning, DPM Gan named semiconductors as an example of an RIE Flagships area, and “healthy and successful longevity” as one RIE Grand Challenge priority.
The government will “define desired economic and strategic outcomes”, identify bottlenecks where R&D is needed, and develop a portfolio of research programmes accordingly, he said in the Addendum.
“These programmes will draw on relevant research and translational capabilities across Singapore, including through partnerships with private-sector players.”
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The NRF will also invest in talent development and basic research, and strengthen Singapore’s AI and computing capabilities.
It will enhance its portfolio of research grants, fellowships and investigatorships to nurture local researchers, attract talent and strengthen links with the global research community.
“We will also establish a long-term plan to maintain and upgrade our essential research infrastructure,” said DPM Gan.
Making progress
RIE2025 is making good progress, he noted. The quality of Singapore’s research has improved, as shown by the country’s field-weighted citation impact rising to 1.74 in 2024, 74 per cent above the global average.
Singapore now has more than 20 corporate laboratories and Centres of Innovation. Business spending on R&D rose to S$8.1 billion or 1.2 per cent of GDP in 2022, from S$5.5 billion or 1 per cent of GDP in 2018.
Venture capital investments in early-stage deep tech have more than trebled to S$1.6 billion in 2023, from S$478 million in 2020.
Singapore is also deepening international research partnerships, added DPM Gan. These range from individual and institutional collaborations to joint platforms, such as the Singapore-France Joint Committee on Science and Innovation, as well as partnerships with overseas universities.
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