Innovation and Learning in Singaporean Small-Medium Enterprises: How Workers in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Learn and Innovate

In the increasingly competitive economy, innovation is vital for the survival of organisations, especially small-medium enterprises (SMEs). Innovation serves as the fundamental pillar that supports these organisations in navigating the challenges of a competitive business landscape. Research suggests that those who competently adopt innovation as a core business approach experience increased productivity, growth potential and the probability of survival. This paper draws on qualitative data of a research project that investigated how SMEs in Singapore afford learning opportunities that promote innovation. Evidence was gathered by work shadowing and interviewing the workers, middle management and senior management of the organisations. This paper commences by discussing the significance of SMEs and key issues relating to innovation in the advanced manufacturing industry in Singapore. This paper then discusses how management support, workplace opportunities and autonomy impact the way workers engage in work activities which generate learning and innovation. Given the importance of developing an innovative learning culture in SMEs and that innovative activity in small firms remains poorly understood, this paper seeks to understand (i) the relationship between innovation and learning, (ii) how workers in SMEs in Singapore learn and innovate, and (iii) how innovation and learning can be better supported at the workplace.