Tax-Based Mechanisms: Technology Development of Singapore and Thailand

Abstract

High-tech small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are important in enhancing the innovative capacity of nation. Many countries use tax schemes as one of their government policy instruments to provide an environment conducive to the growth of high-tech companies. This paper analyzes the tax policies and research and development tax incentives to promote technology commercialization in the cases of Singapore and Thailand. The analysis is focused on the government dimension of Porter’s diamond model. The results reveal the government intervention model, whereby the governments of both countries have pursued a developmental state role in fostering innovative entrepreneurship. The study offers insightful lessons linking tax policy to the perspective of science and technology policy. The policy implications would be useful to other developing economies in shaping the direction of the national innovation system.