Thailand: Science and Technology for Sustainable Development Prof. Dr. Pairash Thajchayapong Permanent Secretary Ministry of Science and Technology Presented at The 1 st Asian Science and Technology Forum September 9, 2005 Tokyo
Outline of Presentation 1. Related Government Policy Frameworks 2. Policy Prioritization and Strategies 3. Implementation 4. Issues Possible for Regional Collaboration
1. Related Policy Frameworks (CABINET, March 3, 2005) Government Policy Statement Delivered to the National Assembly (NESDB) Economic and Social Restructuring Framework for Effectiveness and Sustainability(2002-2006) Coherent S&T Policy Prioritization and Strategies (CABINET,March26,2005) Government Strategic and Action Plan (2005-2008) (National S&T Committee) National S&T Strategic Plan(2004-2013)
Economic and Social Restructuring Framework for Effectiveness and Sustainability Link to world economic and financial systems Technology Economic stability and sustainability Value creation from knowledge application 5 key determinants for change Society Natural resources and environment Sustained Prosperity More Balanced Structure Better Distribution Consumption behaviors Global and regional positioning Proactive social policy to create positive externality Source: National Economic and Social Development Board
Why Does Thailand Need Economic Restructuring? Trade balance deficit: Growing exports with growing import contents % YOY, 3 mma 50 40 7000 6000 5000 Top-ten exports Import Content (%) 30 20 10 0 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005-10 -20 Export Value Import Value Trade Balance Mil.US$ 12,000 11,000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0-1000 -2000-3000 Mil.US$ 7,000 6,000 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Computer and parts Car and parts Integrated circuit Rubber Precious stone and ornaments Metal and steel products 51.3 66.6 82.0 8.4 46.8 40.7 10,000 9,000 5,000 4,000 7. Electrical appliance 64.2 8,000 7,000 6,000 5,000 3,000 2,000 Export value (important commodities e,g, automobile, electronics, chemicals and electrical appliance 1,000 Trade balance (non-oil) 0 2003 2004 2005 8. 9. 10. Chemicals Processing seafood Rubber products 39.6 23.4 22.1 Source: National Economic and Social Development Board
Government Policy Statement Delivered to the National Assembly (3 March 2005) Develop indigenous S&T and innovation capabilities to enhance competitiveness of industrial sector. Strengthen S&T manpower to assure sufficient supply for future demand both quantitatively and qualitatively. Induce and support development of clusters in priority sectors including agro-industry and food, electronics, software and graphic design, automobile, healthcare, fashion, and energy. Strengthen regional economy by technologically upgrading manufacturing and service sectors in regional areas. Promote development of clean technology to conserve healthy environment.
Government Strategic and Action Plan (2005-2008): 1. Eliminate Poverty 2. Improve Quality of Human Resource and Society 3. Restructure Economic Sector for More Balance and Competitive 4. Improve Efficient Natural Resources and Environment Management 5. Promote International Linkages and Economic Collaboration 6. Develop Legislation System and Good Governance 7. Promote Democratism and Public Participation 8. Maintain National Security 9. Create Indigenous Capability to Effectively Handle Global Changes 1. Improve R&D and innovation system, especially basic research in the biotehcnology, ICT and nanotechnology S&T Related Issues: 2. Develop S&T infrastructure and human resources such as science parks, centers of excellence, incubators, metrology and testing services and so on 3. Employ S&T to improve and commercialize Thai indigenous knowledge 4. Promote intellectual property system and encourage IP commercialization 5. Create environment proper to R&D activities and innovation 6. Develop S&T management system for its integration and efficient monitoring and evaluation system 7. Develop natural resource and environment management system as well as protection and utilization of bio-diversity 8. S&T for poverty reduction and strengthening community economy
National Science and Technology Strategic Framework (2005-2013) Vision: Strong economy with knowledge society and better social well-being Sustainable competitiveness Community economy Learning society Q of life/ Environment Core technologies: 1) ICT 2) Biotechnology 3) Material Technology 4) Nanotechnology National Innovation System (Clusters) Core Technologies KBS Human Resources Enabling Environment Goals Number of enterprises having innovation increases to 35% and value of knowledge-intensive products/services reaches the average range of OECD. Higher income, stronger community economy and better quality of life. S&T ranking of Thailand above the median of IMD ranking. Source: National Science and Technology Strategic Plan (2004-2013)
2. Policy Prioritization and Strategies Economy Society 1 Food Develop Clusters and Strengthen Community Economy and Quality of life Automobile Software & Microchip Bio technology Textile 2 Develop S&T human resource Tourism Health Bio Industry Core Technologies ICT OTOP Materials technology Scientific Knowledge life science, physics, math, computer, material science 3 Develop S&T infrastructure and institutions 5 Improve S&T management system 4 Environment Youth The Underprivileged Nano technology Enhance S&T Public awareness Source: National Science and Technology Strategic Plan (2004-2013)
From Policy to Implementation Cabinet Policy Level S&T Policy Committee (Chaired by PM) Executive Level Secretariat (MOST) Subcom mittees Chief Science Officers Private Sectors Representatives Academicians Operation Level Operators (R&D Units) 10
3. Implementation Strategy 1 Developing Innovative Clusters
Establishment of Cluster Management Agent Is Key to Success. Clusters Cluster Management Agents Shrimp Cluster Automotive and Parts Cluster RFID National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Thailand Automotive Institute Thai MicroElectronics Center Hard Disk Drive Tourism Cluster Software Cluster Textile and Fashion Cluster National Electronics and Computer Center Tourism Authority of Thailand Software Industry Promotion Agency Thailand Textile Institute
Example of Cluster in Action: Shrimp Cluster S&T Effort Supply Chain Outcome NBC, BMC, R&D networks BIOTEC, universities and private companies Transfer of Baby Shrimp Technology BIOTEC, Department of Fishery and universities BROODSTOCK BIOTEC HATCHERY & NURSERY Hatchery and nursery farms 50% substitution of brood stock from natural catching Healthy young shrimp (raise survival rate to 50%) Advising and Consultancy Services Program Department of Fishery FARMING Shrimp farms, Manufacturers of shrimp food, Department of Fishery, Association of Shrimp Farm Standard farming system GAP, CoC Regulatory and Management of Shrimp Processing Factories Department of Fishery, National Food Institute, NSTDA Intelligence Unit and Commercial Negotiator Development Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Public Health and Department of Fishery PROCESSING Processing manufacturers, Ice manufacturers, Packaging companies, Certification and accreditation agencies, Transportation service providers EXPORT Exporters - Standard processing factory with GMP 90% - Innovation of instant shrimp food - Accessibility to marketing information - Participation in formulation of international shrimp standard
Example of Cluster in Action: RFID Cluster Actors: Silicon Craft company Actors: Identify company, I.E. Technology company and FXA company Actors: I.E. Technology company, NECTEC and Software Park Actors: Identify company, I.E. Technology company and NECTEC
Strategy 2 S&T Human Resource Development 15
S&T HRD Roadmap 2006-2013 To increase about 18,000 R&D personnel and 16,000 Ph.D in 8 years with investment of about US$ 2,300 million Program Expected output (top-end manpower) R&D personnel Ph.D Expected investment (US$) 1. Promote and support talented students 6,800 5,700 950,000,000 2. Enhance educational opportunity - - 70,000,000 3. Develop/Upgrade teaching personnel 7,700 7,400 600,000,000 4. Upgrade persons working in industry 3,800 3,000 400,000,000 5. Promote Thailand to be centre for S&T education in potential areas e.g. food science 6. Develop permanent body responsible for S&T HRD policy - - 300,000,000 - - 5,000,000 Total 18,300 16,100 2,325,000,000
Strategy 3 Develop S&T Infrastructure and Institutions 17
Thailand Science Park (TSP) Firstly operated since 2002 as a fully integrated hub for R&D in Science and Technology with the total investment budget of USD 175 million Its missions are to promote innovation and R&D activities in the private sector and to develop a critical mass of R&D human resource for Thailand Four National Centers on ICT, Biotechnology, Materials, Nanotechnology 36 Firms are now in TSP(including 3 foreign companies) Thailand Science Park 1 st International Airport
Supporting Services provided in TSP Financial Services In forms of research grants (up to USD 125,000), Soft loans (up to USD 750,000 or 75% of project investment) and joint investment Human Resource Services Recruiting S&T HR and engineers per firm s requirement, specialist database, training and seminar programs, library access and continuing education and on-line education Technology & Technical Services Technology sourcing to assist private sector searching and acquiring proper technology, technology licensing office for technology transfer, consultancy services and technical advices, provision of lab and equipment Business and Juristic Services Business and Juristic Services Provision of legal assistance for intellectual property right and assistance for VISA and work permit for foreign experts
Institutional Infrastructure Promotion Scheme for Centers of Excellence To promote high-potential research labs in universities for excellence and relevancy. Ten distinct research labs are promoted each year with the lump-sum budget of USD 375,000 Development and Improvement of Laws and Regulations Some laws and regulations are developed and improved for benefits of ICT fully utilization Intellectual Property System Development Intellectual Property System Development Appropriate IPS is developed to create supportive environment for knowledge creation, diffusion and utilization
Strategy 4 Enhancing S&T Public Awareness 21
Key Projects Science Media Development including the development of science media center, science feature article broadcasting on TV, science and technology knowledge publication, developing science communicators Development of Science and Technology Educational Activities such as creating mobile S&T educational units, technology road show, S&T public debate forum Youth Competition in S&T Youth Competition in S&T including mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology competition as well as competition related to technology innovation and applied science
Strategy 5 Improvement of S&T Management System 23
A Tentative Proposal to Restructure the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) Policy Board MOST Executive Board CEO S&T Policy and Strategy Group S&T Management Group R&D Funding Group IP Management Group MOST will be the first ministry in Thailand which the administration will be non-bureaucratic and completely autonomous.
4. Possible Collaboration Issues S&T Human Resource Development at Higher Level Cluster/Science Park Development S&T Management System S&T Policy Research S&T Indicators for Developing Countries IPR Suitable for Developing Countries Policy for Knowledge-Economy/Society
Thank You for Your Attention More information is available at: www.most.go.th www.nstda.or.th www.sciencepark.or.th 26