On 4 December 2024, NXPO President Dr. Surachai Sathitkunarat attended the event “Thailand’s 2025 Research and Innovation Directions” at Dusit Thani Hotel in Bangkok. Organized by Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), the event was inaugurated by Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI).
This event stemmed from a collaborative initiative among TSRI, NXPO and the World Bank to develop the Thailand Science, Research, and Innovation Index (Thailand SRI Index). This index evaluates the status, progress, and impacts of Thailand’s science, research, and innovation (SRI) system, serving as a strategic tool to guide national SRI priorities and foster collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, and the research community.
Dr. Surachai joined a panel discussion titled “Synergizing Efforts to Set Directions and Investment Goals in SRI”, alongside Prof. Dr. Sompong Klaynongsruang, President of TSRI; Ms. Melinda Good, World Bank Country Director for Thailand and Myanmar; Dr. Wiboon Rugsancharoenphol, Deputy Secretary-General of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI); and Mr. Suphachai Sachaphibulkij, Member of the Innovation and Research Promotion Committee, Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand.
During the discussion, Dr. Surachai highlighted NXPO’s role in monitoring key national performance indicators, such as Thailand’s standing in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking. By analyzing these metrics, NXPO identifies opportunities for policy development to enhance Thailand’s global competitiveness. He also underscored the collaborative efforts with TSRI in developing the SRI Index, which provides critical insights into the country’s SRI ecosystem and informs future strategies.
Dr. Surachai noted that beyond the SRI index, data from surveys on research and development (R&D) in both the government and private sector offer additional valuable insights. These data include public investment, the R&D personnel, and the ratio of public-private sector investments. Findings from last year’s survey revealed the significant role of the Thai private sector in driving economic growth, while the government plays a pivotal role in supporting and enabling private sector initiatives. Dr. Surachai also highlighted climate technology as a critical area for government focus to align with global trends, noting its relevance in addressing climate change and adapting to international policy shifts.
