In 2020, NXPO’s work focused on driving the higher education, science, research and innovation (HESRI) policy and HESRI system reform that would enable the exploitation of HESRI in all sectors for long-term national development as well as short-term recovery from the pandemic. The work in 2020 can be categorized in 6 areas and this article focuses on the HESRI policy.
One of NXPO’s mission is to design the national HESRI policy that will enable HESRI to offer solutions to challenges for all sectors in the society, using the tools such as data analytics, foresight and systems research. Highlights of this mission in 2020 include:
- Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Strategic Direction for Post-COVID-19 Recovery. The COVID-19 pandemic has created enormous impact to Thailand’s economy and society. To set a path to post-pandemic recovery, NXPO performed a study by reviewing current status and organizing multiple brainstorming sessions with experts from various areas. The study report outlines the HESRI strategy for post-COVID recovery which consists of the following directions: 1) Turning Poverty to Prosperity, 2) Promoting Human Values, Social Changes and Sustainability, 3) Implementing Bio-Circular-Green Economy, 4) Transforming Industry and Building Foundation for the Future, 5) Reinventing Higher Education and Human Capital, and 6) Reforming Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation System. This report is available in Thai language at: https://www.nxpo.or.th/HESRI_policy.
- Thailand’s Post-COVID Scenarios. NXPO in collaboration with Thailand Future Foundation conducted a study on post-COVID scenarios and a deliberation on recommendations to ease Thailand through the recovery and strengthen the long-term national development. The report details post-pandemic scenarios and offers recommendations and policy directions for 11 strategic sectors. The report was honored with Outstanding Research and Innovation Award for the New Normal by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI). This report is available in Thai language at: https://www.nxpo.or.th/PostCOVID-19.
- 2021-2022 Higher Education Plan for Manpower Development. NXPO in collaboration with Office of the Permanent Secretary of MHESI formulated the 2021-2022 Higher Education Plan for Manpower Development. The plan focuses on higher education system reform, lifelong learning, skillset for future industry, entrepreneurial university, and talent mobility. The plan aims to achieve the following goals: 1) universities can offer diverse and quality education based on their individual strengths; 2) everyone can have access to higher education, secure jobs and earn a decent living after graduation; 3) universities can produce workforce that meets the requirements of employers; and 4) Thailand has a healthy ecosystem that attracts global talent.
- Recovery Forum. NXPO initiated NXPO Recovery Forum as a platform to brainstorm ideas, discuss issues and seek potential solutions for Thailand to recover from the COVID-19 crisis. A series of forum were organized covering various areas including public health, social issues, economy, education and tourism. Information obtained from the forum was used by NXPO in the preparation of two reports: Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Strategic Direction for Post-COVID-19 Recovery and Thailand’s Post-COVID Scenarios, as well as the implementation of two projects on upskilling/reskilling promotion and poverty eradication.
