Singapore: Singapore has received recognition in five global tracking studies in the area of innovation and research and development (R&D). After 20 years of long term commitment to science and technology planning and investments, these indicators provide validation that Singapore is forging ahead towards becoming Asia's Innovation Capital.

Singapore is ranked 3rd in the 2012 Global Innovation Index, co-published by Insead and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), behind Sweden and Switzerland; ranked top in the 2012 Global Innovation Policy Index (GPII) by Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) and is ranked 2nd in the 2012 World Economic Forum Competitive Report.

Mr Lim Chuan Poh, chairman, A*STAR, said, "Singapore's journey in R&D is relatively young but one pursued with strong support and commitment from the government and the research community. The various rankings indicate that we are headed in the right direction and we are encouraged by such positive feedback. A*STAR is proud of how far Singapore has come in R&D and will continue to work hard to position Singapore as Asia's Innovation Capital."

"Innovation is without borders. It is important that we collaborate actively to raise the standards of the innovation process and speed at which research can be translated to economic and societal impact. This Singapore-US Innovation Conference aims to bring together key research performers, thought leaders and policy makers from both countries to advance ideas in R&D management and the national innovation framework. We are privileged to count the US as our long standing partner in setting and achieving high bars of outcomes from investments in scientific enterprise," added Dr Raj Thampuram, MD, A*STAR.