Are Singaporeans Idea Copycats?

It’s a simple question with a not so simple answer. Since the beginning of this nation, there have been many ideas. Some copied; National Service wasn’t an original concept. Some were original like CPF, which we can see the benefits of today.

There have been many other original ideas by Singaporeans. HDB helps us own a home. CPF has helped us save money for retirement. Many television shows such as Phua Chu Kang, were created here and were a big hit. The Sound Blaster was invented by Creative Technologies. Even the thumb drive that has provided convenience to so many people around the world was invented in Singapore.

On the other hand, there have been many things that copied. Many of the Television show that you see now are all franchised. Shows like Don’t Forget the Lyrics, and Who Wants to be a Millionaire were “imported” to Singapore. Bubble Tea was also a major fad which had many brands selling the same concept.

So are Singaporeans idea copycats?

A single creative, original idea that becomes successful is rare. Such ideas, born of creativity are difficult to come by, and their success is even less heard of. Most ideas that make it are a product of innovation; ideas spawned from making things better than they already are. In fact, it was Thomas A Edison’s belief that we should “start where the last man left off”. Take something from someone else, and make it better. It is both easier and the results are more guaranteed. A product only needs to be 10% better, cheaper, or more efficient for there to be a market for this product.

So is ‘copying’ an idea, really just innovation?

The bigger question should be, “Does it really matter?” As long as people are starting their businesses, and not infringing any copyright laws, it is helping to move the economy. New businesses that may be “copying” at first, can different perspectives on the product and the market and truly innovate later on. Like how both Boeing and Airbus make commercial aeroplanes, but have a different idea of the future of commercial flight.

A company that cannot withstand the threats of copycats, probably means that these ‘copycats’ can provide better goods or services than the original, which would count as innovation. So the original company has to shape up by innovating themselves or ship out.

Innovation is a good thing. Such change adds value to the market. The same value which is passed down to the consumers.

So, Are Singaporeans really Idea Copycats?

Comments? Disagree? You can continue the discussion at Singapore Start-up Forum [SSuF]: http://www.ssuf.biz/general-business-business-scene-in-singapore-f5/are-singaporeans-business-idea-copycats-t12.htm

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