Joint statement by Canada and Singapore on bilateral cooperation in science, technology and innovation

May 2, 2024

Canada and Singapore will enhance bilateral cooperation in the area of science, technology and innovation (ST&I) based on the following principles:

• 1) ST&I plays a fundamental role in fostering economic growth, competitiveness, and prosperity.
• 2) Canada and Singapore are global leaders in complementary research, development and innovation areas.
• 3) International cooperation is mutually beneficial to the researchers and businesses of Canada and Singapore.
• 4) To succeed in the global innovation economy, Canada and Singapore aim to strengthen their abilities to accelerate the translation of innovations, the protection of intellectual property, the commercialization of emerging technologies, and the growth of their domestic firms on regional and global markets.

Canada and Singapore intend to enhance their cooperation in all areas of research, technology, entrepreneurship and innovation that are deemed beneficial to both, such as by:

• 1) Strengthening bilateral cooperation across ST&I entities in Canada and Singapore in areas including but not limited to artificial intelligence, digital technologies, biotechnology and green technologies, such as through partnerships that seek to convert advanced research into commercial applications, and facilitate increased access to research, technology, markets and talent;
• 2) Supporting international commercialization-oriented research and the development of projects and collaboration activities between Canadian and Singaporean small- and medium-sized businesses in mutually-determined sectors, including through promoting awareness of business opportunities and partnerships between enterprises from both countries;
• 3) Building linkages between research organizations and institutions, market-oriented networks and innovation agencies to explore how best to support research and innovation, and
• 4) Exchanging knowledge and sharing best practices between the research and innovation ecosystems of both countries, at the level of relevant ST&I entities.

In addition to these activities, Canada and Singapore may establish appropriate bilateral consultation mechanisms comprised of representatives from each country, aimed at identifying new opportunities and areas for enhanced cooperation, and coordinating the implementation of relevant activities.