Canada's Innovation Makeover: Singapore’s Cheat Sheet

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:

• 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…

The Two-Gear Economy, part 2 - Singapore’s Innovation Ecosystem

Pascal Dennis, co-author of Harnessing Digital Disruption

Last time, I talked about Canada’s declining standard of living and possible countermeasures. Today I’d like to describe Singapore’s dynamic, well-supported innovation ecosystem, which may hold important lessons. I do not want to be misunderstood - Canadian Tech talent is world class & has helped develop AI and many other breakthroughs. Singapore is full of talented Canadians. And Canada has some similar programs to Singapore - on paper.

Are these programs merely ‘Innovation Theater’?

Singapore's approach combines government policies, infrastructure investment, talent development, and international collaboration – all backed by grit & commitment:

1. Government-Led Initiatives and Funding

Policies and funding programs include:

• National Research Foundation (NRF): coordinates the government’s R&D efforts and directs investments into high-impact areas like AI, robotics, healthcare, and clean energy.
• Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) Plan: outlines the country’s strategic R&D priorities & goals, and is refreshed every five years, ensuring alignment with emerging global trends and technologies.
• Enterprise Singapore: helps companies grow and innovate by offering grants, mentorship, and access to resources, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
• Startup SG: supports entrepreneurs through funding, incubation, and international expansion. It includes the Startup SG Founder grant & Startup SG Equity co-investment scheme.

2. World-Class Research and Development Infrastructure

Cutting-edge R & D facilities and public/private collaboration:

• Research Institutions: Agency for Science, Technology & Research (A*STAR), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and National University of Singapore (NUS).
• Biopolis and Fusionopolis: specialized research clusters in Singapore dedicated to biotechnology, life sciences, and engineering.
• Smart Nation Initiative: aims to use technology to improve the quality of life for its citizens and drive growth. Focus: AI, data analytics, IoT (Internet of Things), and autonomous systems.

3. Talent Development and Attraction

Strong emphasis on developing a skilled workforce to support its innovation-driven economy:

• STEM Education: Nurtures innovation from an early age, with a strong emphasis on STEM. Universities like NUS, NTU, and SMU offer world-class programs in innovation-related fields.
• Skilling and Reskilling Programs: The government runs programs such as SkillsFuture, which helps individuals acquire new skills or reskill to adapt to technological changes.
• Talent Attraction: Through its Tech.Pass and Entrepreneur Pass programs, Singapore actively attracts global talent, particularly in emerging fields like AI, data science, and biotech.

4. Vibrant Startup Ecosystem and Support

Strong startup ecosystem for startups, with the resources and network to scale:

• Venture Capital: Singapore is a hub for venture capital, with many international VCs setting up regional offices. SGInnovate initiative also co-invests with private funds in deep-tech startups.
• Incubators and Accelerators: Plug & Play, JFDI.Asia, and The FinLab provide critical support to startups through mentoring, access to funding, and networking opportunities.
• Corporate Innovation: Major global corporations have set up innovation hubs & venture arms in Singapore, creating collaboration opportunities for startups.

5. Strong Intellectual Property (IP) Protection

Robust legal framework for intellectual property protection, which is crucial for fostering innovation:

• IPOS (Intellectual Property Office of Singapore): IPOS helps businesses and innovators protect their IP and commercialize their creations.
• IP as an Asset: Singapore emphasizes the importance of IP as a valuable asset, encouraging businesses to use patents and trademarks for both protection and commercial opportunities.

6. International Collaboration

• International R&D Partnerships: Singapore has signed numerous agreements with leading global research institutions and companies to collaborate on R&D projects.
• Trade Agreements: Singapore is part of various trade agreements, such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
• Global Talent and Investment: actively attract global talent, companies & investors. Events like the Singapore Week of Innovation & Technology (SWITCH) bring together global innovators, investors, and thought leaders.

7. Regulatory Environment & Sandbox Approach

Favorable regulatory environment that encourages experimentation & innovation, particularly in emerging technologies:

• Regulatory Sandboxes: regulatory ‘sandboxes’ in sectors like fintech and autonomous vehicles, allowing companies to test new products & services in a controlled, flexible environment. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), for example, runs a Fintech Regulatory Sandbox: startups can innovate without the immediate burden of full regulatory compliance.

• Pro-Innovation Policies: regular policy updates to adapt to new technological challenges, such as data privacy, AI ethics, and digital finance → secure legal framework.

8. Infrastructure and Connectivity

World class infrastructure for an innovation-driven economy:

• High-Speed Internet and Connectivity: one of the fastest and most reliable internet networks in the world, facilitating data-driven innovation across industries.
• Smart Infrastructure: pioneer in integrating smart technologies into urban infrastructure, including smart buildings, autonomous transport systems, and data-driven city management.

Singapore’s innovation ecosystem is the result of strategic government policies, world-class research infrastructure, collaboration between the public and private sectors, and creating an attractive environment for global talent and business. It’s not luck – it’s vision, strategy & grit.

Canada is in the midst of a fateful election. Do our politicians understand ambidexterity? Can we protect our core business, while igniting new Growth? Can we stanch the exodus of talent & investment? Canada’s viability hangs in the balance.

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 1 – Canada’s Innovation Predicament
Has OpEx/Lean Gone Wrong?
If It’s Not Simple, It's…
Igniting New Growth – Aristotle’s Two Worlds, Part 2

The Two-Gear Economy, part 1 – Canada’s Innovation Predicament

Pascal Dennis, co-author of Harnessing Digital Disruption

It’s no longer enough to protect your core business with the proven methods of Operational Excellence - you also have to ignite new growth using the methods & mindset of the world’s Innovation hot spots. The ambidextrous will prosper in our brave new world.

What applies to companies, also applies to economies, no? Canada, my dear land, is in the midst of a historic decline. Among peer countries, Canada has been last in productivity growth for the past ten years and is projected to be last in the coming decades. Canada’s most prosperous provinces, Alberta & Ontario, are poorer than the USA’s poorest states. You read that right. Canada’s GDP per capita, a decade ago roughly equal to America’s, is now about 60% of America’s. To make things worse, Canada’s real estate is roughly twice as expensive as America’s. So, life is hard in Canada, and likely to get harder.

So, what’s a country like Canada to do?

What applies to companies, also applies to economies…And so, Canada must take steps to a) protect its core business, and b) ignite new growth.

Protect the Core

Canada’s core business is the physical economy including manufacturing, mining, oil & natural gas, agriculture, as well as financial services (including banking, insurance, leasing and real estate). Protecting the core business means developing a fair & competitive tax & regulatory system - one that attracts investment, and is appealing to talented people including entrepreneurs, small business owners and skilled professionals.

Investment & talent have fled from Canada the past few decades. My friend, Paul, a gifted Tech entrepreneur and graduate of Waterloo’s world class engineering program is a case in point. Paul is a senior leader in one of Silicon Valley’s most celebrated AI unicorns. ‘I left Canada as soon as I graduated,’ he told me. ‘I’d be crazy to stay. There’s nothing for me there.’

Free trade has greatly benefited Canada’s core industries, but is now in imminent danger thanks to Mr. Trump’s international trade war. Canada must do all it can to sustain free trade with all international partners, but it won’t be enough to slow the erosion in prosperity and wellbeing.

Ignite New Growth

Igniting new growth entails designing cool products & services everybody loves and is willing to pay a premium for. Design, data and digital methods are at the heart of Innovation.

Fair & Competitive Tax & Regulatory System

If you want to Protect the Core - and Ignite New Growth, you have to have fair taxes & regulations. Otherwise, people like Paul will continue to leave in droves. Why build anything when more than half will be clawed back by the government? Why not go across the border to Silicon Valley, where you’ll earn - and keep - much more of the value you’ve created?

National Innovation Infrastructure

But fair taxes & regulations are not enough. You also have to make it easy for smart people to connect & try stuff together. And that means fostering a national Innovation infrastructure. Singapore provides an excellent blueprint. I started going there in 2018, working with Laurent in FinTech & Consumer Goods. I met splendid people and explored the great city’s innovation labs, maker spaces and accelerators. I loved attending Friday ‘playbacks’ during which innovation teams would summarize the week’s activities - wins, losses, what they learned & what it means for next week & beyond. I loved attending the Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF), SNG Tech Week, and all the rest.

During SFF week, I’d meet people from startups offering a broad range of services in payment, lending, wealth management and insurance. I met engaging entrepreneurs from all over the world, whose minds seemed to operate at the speed of light. Laurent & I wrote a book about our Singapore adventures, trying to capture that energy, excitement, exotic neighbourhoods & marvelous cuisine.

I’ll talk about Singapore’s innovation infrastructure in an upcoming piece. For now, I’ll leave you with how I felt at the Fusionopolis innovation hub - three buildings full of innovation labs, maker spaces, and accelerators. Imagine open spaces, interesting visuals, a small stage in the center, the atmosphere electric, as in a great jazz club. Something like model launches at our old Toyota factory, but with quicker experiments & somewhat different methods & mindsets. And me thinking, ‘This is the place to be.’

Sure enough, Singapore, like Silicon Valley, is full of talented Canadians. Next time, how did Singapore become an innovation powerhouse, and what’s mean for countries like Canada?


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…

Has OpEx/Lean Gone Wrong?
If It’s Not Simple, It's…
Igniting New Growth – Aristotle’s Two Worlds, Part 2
Igniting New Growth – Aristotle’s Two Worlds

Has OpEx/Lean Gone Wrong?

Pascal Dennis, author of Getting the Right Things Done

This question comes up repeatedly, so I thought I’d try to address it in a fresh way. My OpEx/Lean adventure began in the early 1990’s. I was a young engineer and manager fully absorbed with the Toyota Production System (TPS). My colleagues and I believed strongly that if we could master this way of thinking & working, we’d have a superpower: we could create Value in any industry and role we found ourselves in. Peter Drucker, Taiichi Ohno, Shigeo Shingo, and our formidable Toyota senseis were our guides.

Fast forward to today, and OpEx/Lean has truly lived up to its promise. Companies like Toyota, Honeywell, Danaher, and P&G continue to set the bar for excellence, and the Toyota Production System remains the gold standard for industries like energy, healthcare, and manufacturing If you dedicate your career to mastering these methods, you’re in good shape.

However, there’s a catch. Has OpEx/Lean kept up with the world of innovation? Have we incorporated insights from innovation giants like Clayton Christensen, Steve Blank, and Alex Osterwalder? And most importantly, do we understand the different mindsets and skillsets needed to continually Innovate at high level? I’ve written about Aristotle’s two worlds: Necessity (OpEx/Lean) and Contingency (Innovation). The key challenge is to understand them both at a deep level and figuring out how to switch between them seamlessly.

About a decade ago, I became absorbed by Innovation hot spots like Silicon Valley and Singapore. I began to study the achievements of Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, and the teaching of Clayton Christenson, Steve Blank, and Alex Osterwalder. I found an innovation sensei, my friend & co-author, Laurent Simon. Laurent & I developed a practice and wrote a book about our Innovation adventures in east Asia (here’s the book). My Innovation journey has been as rich & challenging as my TPS journey.

Pascal & Laurent – Innovation Sprint in Thailand during the Kratong Festival
© 2025 Lean Pathways Inc.

My eureka moment when Laurent and I started working together on innovation projects in the Asian plant-based drink industry. Our goal was to develop & launch a new product from scratch. Our inspiration and model was a French product that should have been a commodity but instead commanded a premium price (20%+) - even in countries that did not like the French!

We too, wanted to find our ‘blue ocean’ – engaged customers who loved our offering & were happy to pay a premium for the value they received. And we wanted to launch in half the time, and at half the cost. The innovation team succeeded; we met our targets, learned a ton, and had great fun. Moreover, the methods & mindset we applied have become the New Product Launch process standard.

Post-launch, the COO, a friend & supporter, said, “Every year, we work like crazy to reduce waste, and thereby boost profit by a few percent. You’ve just shown us how to boost profit by twenty percent…”

And this is perhaps why senior leaders see OpEx/Lean as necessary, but not sufficient. OpEx/Lean lays a solid foundation and reliably delivers waste reduction year upon year. But that’s not enough. We also need to ignite new Growth using the methods & mindsets of Silicon Valley and Singapore. We want to find our blue ocean, and the dedicated, engaged customers who happily pay a premium in return for offerings that delight them. Experimenting your way up the ‘hockey stick’ curve in pursuit of an elusive blue ocean is as exhilarating as launching a major new car model. The challenge for 21st C leaders is being able to lead both.

In summary, OpEx/Lean has not gone wrong, but OpEx/Lean leaders must embrace the methods & mindsets of Innovation. We must look outside the relatively predictable world of Operations, and into the volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world of the customer.

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…

If It’s Not Simple, It's…
Igniting New Growth – Aristotle’s Two Worlds, Part 2
Igniting New Growth – Aristotle’s Two Worlds
Innovation Does Not Begin with Technology