In this seminar, Professor Hang will share Singapore’s experience in developing and implementing a bold initiative called GET-Up-Growing Enterprises through Technology Upgrading since 2003. It utilizes the R&D manpower from public research institutes to assist the technology upgrading of small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The key programme in this initiative is a manpower secondment programme (a kind of brain loan arrangement) called T-Up. T-Up represents a new approach to technology transfer which additionally maximizes the industrial impact of public sector research. Findings from two surveys conducted in 2005 and 2012 show that the T-Up secondment programme had positive impact on the technological capabilities, innovation performance and growth of participating companies. Additionally, selected case studies highlight that this initiative has addressed a range of challenges faced by local SMEs and inspired further R&D collaborations between the SMEs and public research institutes.