Singapore has a long tradition of cluster policy for industrial development. Currently, Singapore counts 6 clusters, gathering 23 strategic industrial sectors. The cluster policy is led and implemented by the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Singapore is a member state to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, click here to have more information on this organisation

Economic and political context and framework

Singapore is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita of €51,000, which is the 6th highest in the world. According to the World Bank, the GDP growth rate has been amongst the world’s highest, at a relatively constant average of 7.7% since independence and reaching 9.2% in the first 25 years.

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The country has a highly developed and successful free-market economy due, in part, to a remarkably open and corruption-free environment, stable prices, very low unemployment rate, and a GDP per capita higher than that of most developed countries. As an island nation with the competitive advantage of its location in the heart of Southeast Asia, Singapore has an excellent transportation system, a highly-educated workforce, and a high standard of living.

Currently, the main drivers of the Singapore economic growth are manufacturing, finance & insurance, and wholesale & retail trade. In 2016, Singapore was the 14th largest export economy in the world with a total of €31.5 billion in exports and €19.5 billion in imports, resulting in a positive trade balance of €12 billion.

The Singaporean economy depends heavily on exports, particularly of electronics, petroleum products, chemicals, medical and optical devices, pharmaceuticals, and on Singapore’s vibrant transportation, business, and financial services sectors. Of equal importance to Singapore’s economic achievements is a set of National Science and Technology Plans. The first National Technology Plan was established in 1995 and resulted in a strong scientific base with many industry-science linkages. Singapore aims to become a hub for technology, innovation and enterprise in Asia and around the world.Read less.

Cluster community in the country

The outburst of Singapore’s economy lies in the capacity of the government to continuously develop industrial policies. Therefore, the first Singaporean clusters emerged in the 1980’s. Currently, Singapore industrial policy is driven by the Industry Transformation Map (ITM), enacted in 2016. This map gathers the Singaporean industries into 23 sectors, covering 80% of the GDP. Each sector has a roadmap and € 2.8 billion were allocated for their implementation. The Industry Transformation Map is designed and implemented by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI).

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In 2018, Singapore decided to increase the linkages between these 23 sectors to foster deep innovation. This translated with a new cluster policy. Driven by the Ministry of Finance, the authorities decided to group the 23 key industries into six clusters, each helmed by a minister or a private sector or union representatives. The six clusters are the following:

  • Manufacturing
  • Built environment
  • Trade and connectivity
  • Essential domestic services
  • Modern services
  • Lifestyle

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Cluster policies encouraging the development and internationalisation of clusters

The ITM policy is turned towards the internationalisation of Singaporean companies. Each roadmap has a tailored internationalisation section, aimed at supporting companies in expending overseas markets.

Cluster to cluster cooperation opportunities and potential interest from European clusters and SMEs

Singapore is targeted by four ESCP4i. No evidence of cluster to cluster collaboration has been found at this stage.

Events

Join events to learn about the cluster policy and meet peers from this country
Date Event Target Event Type
30 October 2023 EU-Singapore Matchmaking Event 2023 Cluster managers, Cluster Policy Makers, EU business community, Investors, Large audience, Project coordinators, SME Matchmaking
28 September 2021 Join the Enterprise Europe Network's TechInnovation event Large audience Conference, Matchmaking
11 November 2021 EU - Singapore Matchmaking event Cluster managers, Cluster Policy Makers Matchmaking
22 February 2021 Are we ready for the future? Shaping flexible and innovative skills policy worldwide webinar Cluster managers, Cluster Policy Makers, Investors, SME Webinar
09 November 2020 Unlocking government procurement opportunities under the EU-Singapore FTA Cluster managers, SME Webinar

Achievements

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ESCP-4i News

Stay updated with the news from the European Cluster Partnership for Internationalisation

ESCP-4is targetting this country

Acronym Name Technology Fields Sectoral Industries Targeted third countries No. of SME involved No. of Partners
AEC EUROCLUSTER ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION EUROCLUSTER FOR FUTURE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Construction:F41 Construction of buildings
Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Singapore
GEN.ERA diGital gENomic Alliance to Explore new maRket for Acceleration
A\: Human necessities:Medical or veterinary science; hygiene
Administrative and support service activities:N82 Office administrative, office support and other business support activities
Australia, China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Singapore, Taiwan, United States 80 5
EnW Energy in Water
E\: Fixed constructions:Water supply; sewerage
Water supply; sewerage, waste management and remediation activities:E36 Water collection, treatment and supply
China, Colombia, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Singapore, Tunisia, United States 650 7
LASER-GO European Cluster Partnership in Photonics for Health Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, United States 231 3
LASER-GO GLOBAL European Cluster Partnership in Photonics for Health Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Singapore, United States 240 6