MHESI-NXPO participated in a meeting on 22 August 2024 at Ubon Ratchathani University Science Park in Ubon Ratchathani Province. The meeting discussed and explored support mechanisms for innovation-driven enterprises (IDEs) in Ubon Ratchathani. The NXPO delegation was led by Ms. Manunya Chunhavuthiyanon, Division Director of Innovation Ecosystem for Enhancing Capability of Enterprises, and Dr. Danaitun Pongpatcharatrontep, Associate Dean and Director of the China Intelligence Centre (CIC) at College of Art, Media and Technology (CAMT), Chiang Mai University, who also serves as an advisor to NXPO on the Regional Economic Corridor of Innovation Project. Other notable attendees included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chawalit Thinvongpituk, Director of Ubon Ratchathani University Science Park; Mr. Sitthikun Thiamprasert, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries – Ubon Ratchathani Chapter; Mr. Mongkol Julatatsana, Chairman of the Ubon Ratchathani Chamber of Commerce; along with a group of local entrepreneurs.
During the meeting, Ms. Manunya introduced the E-Commercial and Innovation Platform (ECIP), an initiative by NXPO aimed at helping Thai enterprises expand to the global market. This platform is designed to meet the goal of establishing 1,000 IDEs, each generating an average revenue of THB 1 billion, by 2027. NXPO recognizes the pivotal role of regional science parks in translating research into commercialized innovations, strengthening IDE capabilities, and driving regional economic and social development. The ECIP capitalizes on the expertise of science parks and incubators to connect IDEs with global markets through e-commerce and other emerging channels. Ubon Ratchathani University Science Park is identified as a key player with significant potential in research and innovation, infrastructure, and incubation programs. Dr. Danaitun then presented the the Regional Economic Corridor of Innovation, an on-going joint project between NXPO and CIC. The project focuses on developing and piloting international collaboration mechanisms through a network of research institutes and innovation hubs to enhance the innovation capacity of Thai entrepreneurs within the regional economic corridor. One such mechanism is cross-border e-commerce (CBEC), with China identified as a high-potential market due to its strong purchasing power and supportive government policies, including tax exemptions for foreign products purchased though e-commerce platforms. CBEC offers a valuable opportunity for Thai MSMEs, providing a streamlined channel for delivering products to consumers with fewer regulatory restrictions than traditional export channels. In addition, the rising popularity of social commerce in China presents another promising avenue for Thai enterprises to expand into this market.
Following the presentations, participants exchanged ideas on supporting market expansion into China. The discussion underscored the strengths of products and enterprises in Ubon Ratchathani and its neighboring areas, particularly in processed foods, handicrafts, and textiles. The meeting also proposed further collaboration between CIC and Ubon Ratchathani University Science Park.
After the discussions, the NXPO delegation toured Ubon Ratchathani University Science Park, where a pilot plant facility dedicated to processing agricultural products and a training center for farmers, community enterprises, SMEs, and startups are under construction. The facility will include four building complexes focused on meat processing, fruit and vegetable processing, herbal and cosmeceutical product development, and the administration of Ubon Ratchathani University Science Park.
