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National Research Foundation, Singapore (NRF)

Research, Innovation and Enterprise

Trace Singapore's R&D journey from 1991 to today, and learn how the Research, Innovation and Enterprise plans have shaped a knowledge-based, entrepreneurial economy.

Last updated 28 May 2026
Watercolor illustration of a campus with buildings labeled Create, Research, Innovation, and Enterprise, surrounded by green trees.

Our “Research, Innovation and Enterprise” journey​

Singapore’s R&D journey started in 1991, with the establishment of the National Science and Technology Board (NSTB), and the launch of the first five-year National Technology Plan.

The aim was to develop advanced technological capabilities for moving Singapore up the economic value chain, with a strong base of scientists, engineers and technologists to drive economic and enterprise transformation. These plans were refreshed every five years and aimed to support Singapore in becoming an innovation-driven, knowledge-based economy.

In 2010, Singapore’s R&D strategy was expanded to include “Innovation and Enterprise”, with the vision of growing a research-intensive, innovative and entrepreneurial economy. This reflected a growing emphasis on translation, commercialisation and innovation strategies that tap on the growing pipeline of promising research outputs and support our enterprises.

Singapore RIE Plans bubble chart showing funding growth from $2B in 1991 to $37B planned for 2026-2030.

The first Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) plan (“RIE2015”) was announced in 2010, and successive 5-year RIE plans have continued to be rolled out since. Given the rapidly evolving global and technology landscape, the RIE plans have also set aside White Space funding for addressing unanticipated needs and opportunities that arise after the launch of each plan.

Learn more about the latest RIE2030 plan here.