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

Authors: Leong Choon Chiang

Addresses: Nanyang Business School, Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: SMEs growth strategy; government development assistance programmes; Singapore SMEs; knowledge-based economy; small and medium sized enterprises.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEIM.2004.004720

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 2004 Vol.4 No.2/3, pp.124 - 137

Published online: 07 Jul 2004 *

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