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The good news is that support through funding is available. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) administers the Technology Acquisition Fund (TAF) to promote the acquisition of strategic and relevant technology to enhance production processes and increase the technology content of SMEs to enable them to compete globally. Eight companies were the recipients of RM8 million under the fund in 2006.
Utilisation of ICT in order to gain entry into the global and regional supply chain is actively encouraged as effective and timely responses to market requirements is crucial when participating in the MNC supply chain today. The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) provides a grant for Malaysian companies to adopt the RosettaNet Standard Implementation which serves as an interface for companies to communicate and conduct business electronically with their trading partners. In 2006, 14 SMEs were able to adopt the RosettaNet Standard.
DEVELOPMENT EXPENDITURE AND ALLOCATION FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION, 2001-2010
Notes: *Includes IRPA, SAGA, Biotechnology R&D, Malaysia-MIT Partnership Programme and Oceanography R&D
# Includes MTDC and MDC programmes
Enhancing Technological Capability and Capacity of SMEs
During the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) period (2006-2010), high priority will be accorded to strengthen the technological capability and capacity of SMEs to meet the challenges of globalization and increasing competition. Towards this end, strategies will be directed at acquiring technologies that will propel SMEs up the value chain in the manufacturing, agriculture and services sectors. Increased emphasis will also be placed on technology development capabilities to establish technological leadership, achieve product and services differentiation as well as to create a greater number of local technology-based companies.
To fast-track domestic technology development capabilities of SMEs, specific programmes will be implemented to nurture local SMEs as R&D partners to tap the opportunities of R&D outsourcing by MNCs and GLCs. Measures will also be undertaken to encourage collaborative ventures among MNCs, GLCs and SMEs, to facilitate technology transfer and skills development as well as marketing. More targeted R&D projects will be undertaken by universities and research institutions in collaboration with SMEs. To further aid this endeavour, closer collaboration with government institutions and universities are to be promoted through the Technology Development Cluster Programme set up in 2006 to help SMEs to undertake the commercialization of potentially viable R&D results.
During the 9MP period, technopreneur development will be expanded to support S&T-based SMEs to benefit from homegrown technologies, particularly Bumiputera SMEs. This will be achieved through, among others, the provision of appropriate infrastructure, transfer of technology and better access to financing. New support mechanisms will be introduced to enhance outreach programmes for SMEs including technical, design, marketing and business advisory services.
According to the SME Annual Report 2006, high priority has been given to strengthening technological capabilities of SMEs, with a total allocation of RM12.9 billion being set aside for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) under the 9MP. Government agencies such as the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC), MDeC, SMIDEC and the Malaysian Biotech Corporation (MBC) will collaborate to introduce technology foresight programmes to allow SMEs to take advantage of available technology.
Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Development Thrusts
The Government is fully committed towards enhancing the nation’s competency in R&D, science and technology and ability to innovate. During the Eighth Malaysia Plan (8MP, 2001-2005), the efforts were focused on strengthening S&T capability and capacity to support productivity-driven growth and improve competitiveness.
Under the 9th Malaysia Plan (9MP, 2006-2010), the Government will place greater emphasis on capacity building and strengthening the National Innovation System (NIS) to build upon leading-edge technologies and know-how.
The thrust for STI development during the 9MP period will be to contribute towards innovation-led growth as well as enhance productivity and competitiveness for wealth creation and social well-being. Efforts will be intensified towards mastering and harnessing S&T for widespread applications in generating knowledge, innovation and growth. In this regard, concerted efforts will be undertaken to implement the following strategies:
- strengthening the NIS to contribute more effectively towards the development and diffusion of new technologies to enhance productivity, competitiveness and growth;
- enhancing S&T human capital as a principal source of innovation and competitive advantage;
- promoting technopreneurship to enhance national innovative capacity and increasing the number of S&T-based companies;
- enhancing technological capability and capacity of SMEs to meet the challenges of globalisation and increasing competition;
- prioritising and consolidating R&D and commercialisation initiatives to ensure more effective resource allocation and increase the rate of commercialisation of R&D and returns to investment;
- focusing on targeted R&D to generate new sources of growth;
- promoting standardisation and quality assurance for competitiveness and consumer well-being;
- increasing STI awareness to contribute towards nurturing a culture of creativity and innovation; and
- improving international linkages in STI development to tap global knowledge.
Sources: SME Annual Report 2006 & Ninth Malaysia Plan (2006-2010)
