MHESI-NXPO, in collaboration with the College of Arts, Media, and Technology (CAMT), Chiang Mai University, hosted an event for innovation-driven enterprises (IDEs) on 7 January 2025 at Northeastern Science Park 1 in Khon Kaen. The activity aimed to prepare Thai IDEs for entry into the Chinese market. Participants included Dr. Apirachai Wongsriworaphon, Director of Northeastern Science Park 1, representatives from Northeastern Science Park 2, and IDEs based in both Northeastern Science Parks 1 and 2.
The event was led by Ms. Manunya Chunhavuthiyanon, Director of Innovation Ecosystem for Enhancing Capability of Enterprises Division at NXPO, and Dr. Danaitun Pongpatcharatrontep, Associate Dean and Director of the China Intelligence Center (CIC) at CAMT, who also serves as a project advisor to NXPO’s Regional Innovation Corridor and International Cooperation Project. Ms. Manunya Chunhavuthiyanon emphasized that developing the IDE ecosystem is a key focus for NXPO, as IDEs play a crucial role in driving economic growth. Market access has been identified as a significant constraint for Thai IDEs. To tackle this challenge, NXPO collaborated with stakeholders to create the E-commercial and Innovation Platform (ECIP), designed to expand the market reach of products developed with the support of science parks and incubators.
Ms. Manunya stated that this NXPO-CIC initiative is part of the ECIP and currently in its pilot phase to test and evaluate the concept before expanding nationally. The project aims to enhance enterprise export capabilities and establish mechanisms to support international market expansion. This long-term strategy leverages international collaboration to drive regional economic development, utilizing global networks to provide consumer insights in target export destinations, along with digital platforms and other marketing channels.
As the local host, Dr. Apirachai Wongsriworaphon welcomed participants and expressed gratitude to NXPO and CIC for co-organizing this event. He explained that the science parks play a crucial role in nurturing IDEs and supporting their international market expansion. Collaborating with NXPO and CIC under this initiative will help the regional science parks fulfill their mission.
Dr. Danaitun Pongpatcharatrontep provided an overview of the activity, which is designed for IDEs selected based on product evaluations targeting Chinese consumers. The program covered logistics processes, Chinese social media platforms, and business matchmaking with potential partners in China, enabling enterprises to effectively plan their export and promotion strategies.
