This question is asking you to illustrate the role of innovation in digital transformation. In that pursuit, answer the following:

Globally there are concerns on the adverse impact to the economy due supply chain disruptions and manpower constraints, as a result of Covid$-19$ lockdowns and border closures. There are hence concerns on SMEs being more vulnerable to these economic shocks. Singapore SMEs are advised to $$commit to digital innovation, upskilling and R&D collaboration to maintain growth$($Business Times, $11$ Apr $2022),$ with the government pledging more support for SMEs in digital transformation $($CNA$,4$ Mar $2022).$ Discuss the extent to which Singapore SMEs can pull out of this economic downturn with digital transformation even as we slowly emerge from the Covid$-19$ pandemic.

You should support your reasoning based on the prescribed news articles, course material and any other peer$-$reviewed articles or authoritative sources of information.