Thailand aims to get out of the "middle income trap" by 2037, and the National Council for Higher Education Policy, Science, Research and Innovation (NXPO) is encouraging businesses to incorporate technology into their operations to achieve this goal. NXPO President Kitipong Promwong said Sunday that Thailand has developed significant infrastructure and human resources in science, technology and innovation.
He added that the Chiang Mai University Science and Technology Park (CMU STeP) has enabled small businesses to earn up to 300 million baht, up from 1-2 million baht just a few years ago. "We believe we can achieve our goal of developing 1,000 innovation-driven businesses capable of generating 1 billion baht in revenue over five years," he said.
He also noted that one of the CMU STeP projects that contribute to the development of an innovative economy is the "Uniform Thermal Distribution of Radio Frequency" (UTD RF) technology, which allows you to destroy grain moths and their eggs in rice. UTD RF keeps consumers safe and increases farmers' income. This technology has already gained acceptance in the rice processing industry, cooperatives and commercial enterprises.
According to CMU STeP director Tanyanuparba Anantan, the agency is also working on other technologies and research in six areas:
- Provision of laboratory services such as testing, calibration and analysis.
- Advising on business operations, from business creation to market entry.
- Conducting research and development of innovative enterprises.
- Selection of business partners and recommendation of funding sources.
- Provision of workspaces and meeting rooms.
- Providing appropriate infrastructure and services for the innovation ecosystem.
The introduction of technology and the development of the innovation sector are of strategic importance for Thailand. This will help the country increase business revenues, ensure food safety and increase competitiveness in the international market. Programs such as CMU STeP are key catalysts for development and promote collaboration between universities, businesses and governments. Thailand strives to become a leader in science, technology and innovation, and these efforts open up new prospects for the country's economic growth and prosperity.
