What was the goal?

The goal of the Singapore Biopolis project was to establish a vibrant science community by attracting global talents and creating a world-class research ecosystem. The objective was to transform Singapore into a knowledge-based economy, focusing particularly on the biomedical sector. The problem addressed was the lack of a robust scientific infrastructure and the need to elevate Singapore's position in the global scientific community.

Solutions:

• Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Policies: Singapore has implemented comprehensive STI policies, making substantial investments in research and development. This includes fostering public-private partnerships and promoting foreign direct investment (FDI) to attract global talents and technology investors.

• Building Research Universities and Ecosystem: The country has developed world-class universities like the National University of Singapore (NUS). Additionally, advanced research institutes and centers of excellence have been established in collaboration with global institutions.

• Establishment of Biopolis: The creation of Biopolis, a dedicated biomedical research hub, has been pivotal. It houses public and private R&D labs, including the Genome Institute of Singapore and the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology.

• Public-Private Collaboration: Initiatives such as Fusionopolis and the CREATE campus have promoted collaboration between public labs, private sector entities, and international universities, fostering innovation and research excellence.

Results:

The Biopolis project significantly boosted Singapore's biomedical sector, increasing the industry's output from S$6 billion in 2000 to S$29.4 billion in 2012. Employment in the biomedical sector more than doubled, and the biomedical sciences (BMS) industry became a major contributor to Singapore's GDP. The initiative also positioned Singapore as a leading destination for scientific research and innovation, attracting renowned scientists and establishing the country as a global nexus for scientific talent.

Summing up

The Singapore Biopolis case study highlights the successful transformation of a small nation into a leading biomedical research hub through strategic STI policies, substantial investment in research infrastructure, and the attraction of global scientific talents. This integrated approach not only enhanced Singapore's economic growth but also established a dynamic and globally competitive scientific community.