The National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) or NIA announced a strategic plan to reshape Thailand's position as an innovative country. NIA also revealed business and investment trends in Thailand and the agency's readiness in hosting the Startup x Innovation Thailand Expo 2022 (SITE 2022). The event, being held under the concept "Reconnecting to the World" combines Startup Thailand and Innovation Thailand to strengthen innovation competency and create awareness of innovations nationwide. Participants can take part during June 23-25, 2022 at https://site.nia.or.th/.
Dr. Pun-Arj Chairatana, Executive Director of NIA revealed that: "In 2021, the use of innovation to accelerate the development of the country has become more significant. The rapid changes in the economy, society, and lifestyle, affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, are the catalyst for tech disruption as well as tech adoption such as a cashless society, online meetings, Work-from-Home, telemedicine, and vaccine development. Although these emerging technologies, for instance, the Metaverse require more development, it is expected to create an astounding change in the economy and society."
"To promote innovation that is responsive to global challenges while building the country's brand as 'Innovation Thailand', NIA has carried out 7 strategies including 1. Increase innovation-based enterprise capability that could survive abrupt changes in the innovative system 2. Build and foster human capacity in innovation 3. Utilize innovation infrastructure and ensure accessibility to innovation services 4. Enhance innovation opportunity and regionalization 5. Reshape regulatory environments to ease innovation processes 6. Create the recognition for Thailand as one of the world's forefront innovators 7. Transform innovation systems to address global challenges. The move is also part of its plan to raise Thailand's position in the Global Innovation Index from the top 43 in 2021 to top 30 by 2030. By 2025, NIA aim that there will be around 100 companies capable of registering as DeepTech companies, 60 companies currently have good potential. The leading city like Bangkok and Chiang Mai will be a startup & tech city of Thailand serving as a launching pad and landing pad for global startups." said Dr. Pun-Arj.
Meanwhile, Dr. Tunyawat Kasemsuwan, Global Innovation Director of Thai Union Group PCL said "Covid-19 has had some impact on some of our businesses. For example, with more people eating at home, the lifestyle has shifted to online food delivery. While the company holds its focus on health, safety standards, and cost management to overcome the crisis, it has also focused on investments in new businesses such as automation and technology to keep pace with market trends. By using innovation to develop new products that meet consumers' demand worldwide, Thai Union Group's innovation strategy consists of two key approaches: research and development by the Innovation Center of Thai Union Group, and investing in global startups to create a Food Tech ecosystem.
Highlighting the importance of urban planning that supports emergence of metaverse trends, Mr. Onza Janyaprasert, Senior Vice President - Project Development of the Magnolia Quality Development Corporation (MQDC), stated that: "MQDC aims to support the government and NIA policy of 'Innovation Thailand' by spearheading the effort to transform South Sukhumvit neighborhood (Onnut - Bang Na) to become a new innovation district of Bangkok. We bring together global experts and local professionals to plan a series of anchor projects from True Digital Park and Cloud 11 to foster strong communities of innovators." Mr. Onza also added that "MQDC is investing heavily into the Metaverse and blockchain technology in our effort to bridge the physical and virtual worlds together. COVID-19 has drastically changed our way of living from work to leisure, so we want to build a world in which people can seamlessly enjoy all activities in their life regardless of where they are."
"To further promote an innovation-based development plan, NIA will host Startup x Innovation Thailand Expo 2022 (SITE 2022) to showcase outstanding innovative products and services. The hybrid event, which brings together leading startups, innovators, experts, business executives, and investors, will be held under the theme Reconnecting the World during June 23-25, 2022." Dr. Pun-Arj concluded.