More on technocracy

In my previous article (‘A technocratic democracy’, August 14), I advocated the need for a technocratic democracy in Pakistan. There are numerous examples of how strong technocratic governments have transformed nations.

An excellent example of such a transformation is Singapore. Singapore’s transformation into a knowledge economy has been a meticulously planned and executed process, characterized by strategic investments in education, research, and technological infrastructure.

Singapore’s remarkable transformation from a small, resource-scarce island to a global economic powerhouse is a testament to the visionary leadership of Lee Kuan Yew and effective governance. Central to this success has been the role of technocrats in the Singaporean government. These technocrats, armed with specialized knowledge and a commitment to evidence-based policymaking, have been instrumental in guiding Singapore’s growth and ensuring its continued prosperity.

One of the most notable figures in Singapore’s history is Dr Goh Keng Swee, an economist widely regarded as one of the country’s founding fathers. Dr Goh played a pivotal role in laying the economic foundation upon which modern Singapore was built. As minister of finance, he spearheaded the establishment of Singapore’s industrialization strategy, which included the creation of the Jurong Industrial Estate.

Another key figure in Singapore’s transformation is Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam, who brought his background in physics and mathematics to bear on his various ministerial roles. Dr Tan was a driving force behind the transformation of Singapore’s education system, aligning it with the needs of a rapidly evolving, knowledge-based economy. He championed the establishment of institutions such as the National Research Foundation, which has been crucial in promoting research and innovation.

Teo Chee Hean, with a background in engineering, is another technocrat who has made significant contributions to Singapore’s development. Serving in roles such as deputy prime minister and minister for defence, Teo has been influential in shaping Singapore’s national security and technological infrastructure.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, a medical doctor by training, has also played a vital role in leveraging technology for national development. As minister for foreign affairs and previously as minister for community development, youth and sports, Dr Balakrishnan has been a strong advocate for the Smart Nation initiative. This ambitious programme aims to harness technology to improve the quality of life for Singaporeans.

Singapore's journey towards a knowledge economy began with the establishment of the National Research Foundation (NRF) in 2006. The NRF was tasked with developing policies, strategies, and funding for R&D, setting the stage for a robust innovation ecosystem. A significant aspect of this foundation was the Research, Innovation, and Enterprise (RIE) plans, which have guided Singapore's R&D investments through successive five-year plans.

Singapore has also prioritized education as a cornerstone of its innovation strategy. The government has heavily invested in building world-class educational institutions, such as the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), which consistently rank among the top universities globally.

The SkillsFuture initiative, launched in 2015, offers Singaporeans opportunities for lifelong learning, providing credits for courses and training programmes that enhance their skills in line with industry needs. This initiative ensures that the workforce remains adaptable and relevant in a rapidly changing economy.

To complement its strong educational base, Singapore has developed a series of research institutes and innovation centres. For instance, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) oversees numerous research institutes and consortia, fostering cutting-edge research and facilitating collaboration between academia and industry.

Singapore has also created a conducive environment for startups and entrepreneurship. The government launched initiatives like Startup SG to provide funding, mentorship, and resources to early-stage companies. The presence of incubators and accelerators, such as BLOCK71 and JTC LaunchPad, further nurtures entrepreneurial ventures, creating a vibrant startup ecosystem.

Singapore has invested heavily in digital infrastructure to support innovation. The Smart Nation initiative, launched in 2014, aims to harness technology to improve the quality of life and create economic opportunities. This includes developing a nationwide high-speed broadband network, deploying sensors and IoT devices, and promoting data analytics and AI to transform industries and public services.

The government has also promoted public-private partnerships to drive innovation. Collaborative platforms like the National Innovation Challenges bring together government agencies, industry players, and research institutions to solve complex societal and economic challenges through innovation. Initiatives like the Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) connect Singaporean companies with international innovation hubs, enhancing their global competitiveness.

Singapore has also focused on developing industry clusters to drive innovation. The development of industry clusters, such as the Biopolis for biomedical sciences and Fusionopolis for Infocomm technology, creates ecosystems where companies, research institutions, and government agencies can collaborate closely. Another key initiative has been the establishment of the Committee on the Future Economy (CFE) in 2016. The CFE was tasked with identifying strategies to ensure Singapore’s long-term economic growth.

To support these strategic initiatives, Singapore has provided substantial financial incentives for R&D and innovation. Tax incentives, grants, and funding schemes such as the Research Incentive Scheme for Companies (RISC) and the Productivity and Innovation Credit (PIC) scheme encourage businesses to invest in research, technology adoption, and capability development.

Singapore has embraced advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies to stay competitive. The Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC) and the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) support the development and adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies, driving innovation in the manufacturing sector.

The contrast with the governance system in Pakistan is striking and explains the failures of successive governments. To move forward, our ministers and secretaries must be top experts in their respective fields who understand the importance of knowledge in socio-economic development.

There is an urgent need to establish a technocratic democracy, with an honest, visionary, and technologically competent government so that we can establish a strong export-oriented technology-driven knowledge economy.

The writer is a former federal minister, Unesco science laureate and founding chairperson of the Higher Education Commission (HEC). He can be reached at: ibne_sina@hotmail.com