Oral reply to PQ on Government's assessments of emerging technologies

Question:

Dr Neo Kok Beng: To ask the Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) (a) whether Government agencies perform assessments of emerging technologies regularly; and (b) if so, whether such assessments can be made available to industry and relevant companies to facilitate their insights and planning.

Oral Answer (to be attributed to Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) Dr Tan See Leng)

1.       The Government regularly assesses emerging technologies to identify potential new sources of growth. The assessments are conducted in partnership with the research community and industry, and help inform Government strategies such as the recent Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2030 (RIE2030) plan and recommendations by the Economic Strategy Review. Where appropriate, these plans are published and made available to the public. 

2.       In addition, the Government organises events such as the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) for our investors, entrepreneurs and innovators to keep abreast of technology and industry trends in the global startup ecosystem. 

3.       Besides Government-led efforts, Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs) and private sector organisations also publish market outlooks and technology assessments. Companies can stay abreast of emerging technology trends and opportunities through these resources.