Attitudes towards Entrepreneurship in Singapore: The Role of the State in Cultural Transition

Author: Pereira, Alexius A.

Source: Asian Journal of Social Science, Volume 35, Number 3, 2007 , pp. 321-339(19)

Publisher: BRILL

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Abstract:

In 2001, due to Singapore's low level of entrepreneurship, the state introduced an economic policy known as the Technopreneurship 21 programme. Along with many economic incentives and structural changes, the state has also embarked upon an ideological campaign to create a more pro-entrepreneurial society. This study focuses on examining the attitudes of undergraduates towards entrepreneurship as a means of understanding the Singapore state's ability to 'change' mindsets. It finds that although the respondents still feel that Singapore is currently still un-entrepreneurial, they are very positive for the future. Indeed, the undergraduates even felt that the best way for Singapore to become pro-entrepreneurial was for more state intervention. This paper concludes that because of the capacity and capability of the highly interventionist Singapore government, it is a key agent in the process of cultural transition in Singapore.

Keywords: ENTREPRENEURSHIP; STATE POLICY; SINGAPORE; CULTURAL CHANGE; POST-INDUSTRIALIZATION; EDUCATION

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/156853107X224268

Affiliations: 1: Dept of Sociology, National University of Singapore

Publication date: 2007-09-01

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