To spur something on; to accelerate or intensify a process or action — an idiomatic expression meaning to encourage greater momentum.
政府の補助金が新しい産業の成長に拍車をかけた。
Government subsidies spurred the growth of the new industry.
彼女の励ましの言葉が彼の挑戦に拍車をかけた。
Her encouraging words spurred him on in his challenge.
新技術の導入が生産性向上に拍車をかけるだろう。
The introduction of new technology will likely accelerate productivity gains.