Chapter 3 Linkages for Fostering Innovation Activities – Case ... - ERIA

the federal government and good infrastructure in Penang also helped Mayang to startits production quickly. The presence of a large TNC base as a market was a criticalfactor. Though the initial operations were mainly in manufacturing, later Mayang starteddistribution of laboratory and high-end technical equipment.3.8.2. Types and Motivations for InnovationInnovation at Mayang is driven by requirements from its customers. Majority ofthese innovations are aimed at improvements in products to meet the specific designrequirements of customers and improving existing products to reduce the costs andhence achieve competitiveness in the market. Process innovations are aimed at both toreduce costs and the overall time in production3.8.3. Support for InnovationThe main source for innovation at Mayang is their in-house design engineers. Thein-house design team uses information from internet sources to enhance their designskills.. Key institutions that are supportive to Mayang for innovation include the MIDAand MOSTI at the national level. Mayang is successful in getting grants from both theseministries to procure special fabrication machinery. To a smaller extent, professors fromthe University Malaya (UM), helps Mayang to develop new designs for industrialelectric fans.3.8.4. Linkages of InnovationOverall the linkages developed by Mayang are of a short term nature. Though thefirm is successful in getting grants from national ministries MIDA and MOSTI – thereappears to be no follow in terms of accessing newer funding options for encouragingR&D activities. Mayang has no firm to firm linkage within Penang cluster. The firmdoes not have any linkages with both suppliers and customers within cluster and in other126