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National Research Foundation, Singapore (NRF)
Parliamentary Replies

R&D Collaboration Metrics and Capability Development

25 February 2026

The Government measures research and development collaborations through capability building, intellectual property licensing, innovative products and services, and startup creation. Partnerships between public research institutions and industry strengthen research expertise, support commercialisation, attract private investment, create high value jobs, and enhance Singapore’s research, innovation, and enterprise ecosystem.

Date: For Parliament Sitting on 25 February 2026

Title: R&D Collaboration Metrics and Capability Development

MPs Speaking: Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat, Mr Gan Kim Yong

QUESTION: Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) what metrics does the Government use to measure success of collaborations between national R&D institutions and private sector partners; (b) how the Government differentiates success as a 'project manager' coordinating vendors versus a 'knowledge leader' developing in-house capability; and (c) what steps prevent hollowing-out of Singapore-based expertise in the national R&D institutions due to over-reliance on subcontracting.

RESPONSE: Mr Gan Kim Yong (for the Prime Minister): The Autonomous Universities, A*STAR and other public research institutes collaborate with private sector partners to conduct industry-relevant research and development, and to commercialise inventions and technologies from publicly-funded research. Through these collaborations, our institutions build up capabilities and know-how while meeting industry needs. At the same time, they contribute to the economy and strengthen our Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) ecosystem.

Beyond capacity and knowledge building, the Government also tracks various indicators to measure the success of these partnerships, including Intellectual Property (IP) licensing, development of innovative products and services, and formation of new startups.

These collaborations between national research institutions and the private sector have been mutually beneficial. Our researchers are able to commercialise their intellectual property with companies, developing innovative products and services that help the companies stay globally competitive. This in turn spurs increased private sector research and development investments in Singapore and the creation of new high-value jobs, and further strengthens Singapore's RIE ecosystem.

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