NXPO, the National Research Council of Thailand and Science Technology and Innovation Policy Institute (STIPI) of King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) recently entered into an agreement to foster science, research and innovation (SRI) system with SRI Policy Design Training Program for NRCT staff. The virtual signing ceremony was attended by NXPO President Dr. Kitipong Promwong, NRCT Executive Director Dr. Wiparat De-ong, KMUTT President Assoc. Prof. Suvit Tia and STIPI Director Dr. Santi Charoenpornpattana.
SRI policy and system is essential to a foundation of six areas important to the national development: 1) Agriculture. Agricultural sector can be strengthened with modern technology such as smart farming and precision agriculture, 2) Industry. It is vital to strengthen SRI capacity to improve the competitiveness of Thai industrial sector, which will raise per capital income and freeing Thailand from the middle-income trap, 3) Service sector. Tourism and service industry can benefit from advanced technology to create additional value to goods and services, 4) Grassroots economy and area-based development, 5) Social aspect. System to deal with social issues, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, requires SRI and knowledge to provide effective solutions, 6) Social sciences, humanities and arts. As one of the key organization in SRI system, NRCT is keen to enhance capacity of its staff in SRI policy design through this partnership.
In this collaborative program, NXPO and STIPI will deliver SRI Policy Design Training Program for NRCT staff. The 45-hr training course covers topics such as SRI system, global trends, change management, policy design and new role of NRCT under the new system.
