Pascal Dennis, co-author of Harnessing Digital Disruption
My dear, Canada: you're a smart kid who's been napping during the Innovation exam. While Singapore has been acing every test, you’ve been resting on politeness & past laurels. Time to wake up and get back in the game.
The Singapore-Style Innovation Transformation Plan
1. Government: From Bureaucracy to Rocket Fuel
Drop the endless government task forces, arm-waving & posturing. Government agencies must become Innovation catalysts:
2. Talent Attraction: Roll Out the Red Carpet
Singapore doesn't just welcome talent; they practically roll out a red carpet covered in stock options and opportunity. Canada needs to:
3. Education: From Classroom to Innovation Launchpad
Transform education from rote recapitulation to Innovation creation:
4. Startup Ecosystem: No More Polite Waiting
Singapore didn't ask permission to become an Innovation hub; they became one. Canada needs to:
5. Regulatory Sandbox: Embrace the Chaos
Singapore's regulatory approach is like a supportive parent who lets kids build crazy science projects. Canada should:
6. Global Collaboration: Think Big
Start acting like a global Innovation player:
The Tough Love Conclusion
Singapore didn't become an Innovation powerhouse by accident. They did it through strategic vision, massive investment, and a take-no-prisoners approach to economic development. Singapore had to – theirs is a rough neighborhood.
In spite of the all the lost years, Canada still has the right stuff: fine universities, diverse talent, natural resources, and global good will. What's missing is Vision, tenacity and an aggressive Innovation strategy.
This isn't about copying Singapore but about understanding that Innovation isn't a spectator sport. It's time to get off the bench and into the game. Canada, your Innovation report card is due. No more Mr. Nice Guy.
My dear, Canada: you're a smart kid who's been napping during the Innovation exam. While Singapore has been acing every test, you’ve been resting on politeness & past laurels. Time to wake up and get back in the game.
The Singapore-Style Innovation Transformation Plan
1. Government: From Bureaucracy to Rocket Fuel
Drop the endless government task forces, arm-waving & posturing. Government agencies must become Innovation catalysts:
- Create a National Innovation Foundation that actually moves faster than a maple syrup river
- Design grant programs that don't require entrepreneurs to fill out forms longer than the Bible
- Establish "Innovation Zones" where red tape goes to die and creativity thrives
2. Talent Attraction: Roll Out the Red Carpet
Singapore doesn't just welcome talent; they practically roll out a red carpet covered in stock options and opportunity. Canada needs to:
- Introduce a Tech Talent Welcome Pass: Fast-track visas for global innovators
- Create such attractive tax incentives that talented international engineers will trade their hoodies for parkas
- Build Innovation hubs in major cities that make working in Canada feel like joining a cool startup, not entering a government office
3. Education: From Classroom to Innovation Launchpad
Transform education from rote recapitulation to Innovation creation:
- Redesign STEM programs to prioritize hands-on Innovation
- Create national Innovation challenges for students
- Fund student startup initiatives with real money, not just participation ribbons
4. Startup Ecosystem: No More Polite Waiting
Singapore didn't ask permission to become an Innovation hub; they became one. Canada needs to:
- Establish serious venture capital funds that aren't afraid to take risks
- Create national accelerator programs with teeth
- Build Innovation clusters that make Silicon Valley look like a quaint science fair
5. Regulatory Sandbox: Embrace the Chaos
Singapore's regulatory approach is like a supportive parent who lets kids build crazy science projects. Canada should:
- Create flexible regulatory environments for emerging technologies
- Design "Innovation zones" with reduced bureaucratic friction
- Welcome experimental technologies instead of burying them in paperwork
6. Global Collaboration: Think Big
Start acting like a global Innovation player:
- Develop aggressive international technology partnerships
- Host global Innovation conferences that aren't just polite networking events
- Create investment frameworks that attract global tech titans
The Tough Love Conclusion
Singapore didn't become an Innovation powerhouse by accident. They did it through strategic vision, massive investment, and a take-no-prisoners approach to economic development. Singapore had to – theirs is a rough neighborhood.
In spite of the all the lost years, Canada still has the right stuff: fine universities, diverse talent, natural resources, and global good will. What's missing is Vision, tenacity and an aggressive Innovation strategy.
This isn't about copying Singapore but about understanding that Innovation isn't a spectator sport. It's time to get off the bench and into the game. Canada, your Innovation report card is due. No more Mr. Nice Guy.
Best wishes,
Pascal Dennis
E: pascal.dennis@leansystems.org
PS To learn more about my Strategy Execution program, Getting the Right Things Done in a Digital World, feel free to drop me a line.
In case you missed our last few blogs... please feel free to have another look…
The Two-Gear Economy, part 2 - Singapore’s Innovation Ecosystem
The Two-Gear Economy, part 1 – Canada’s Innovation Predicament
Has OpEx/Lean Gone Wrong?
If It’s Not Simple, It's…
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