Thailand is facing a significant challenge in developing science, research, and innovation (STI) amidst intense competition in the ASEAN region and a volatile global economy. The shortage of new researchers with specific skills and expertise has become a major obstacle in propelling the country towards becoming a hub for innovation and technology.
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Recently, the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) organized a crucial meeting titled “Gathering Opinions from the Network of Senior Research Scholars and Distinguished Research Professors to Co-Design the Production and Development of Research and Innovation Personnel in the Country.” The objective was to gather insights from the country’s leading researchers to collaboratively design a plan for producing and developing new researchers to meet the country’s current and future needs.
Associate Professor Dr. Pattamawadee Pochanukul, Director of TSRI, stated, “TSRI recognizes the importance of creating new researchers with high potential and developing a research ecosystem that fosters the creation of quality work. Therefore, we have invited senior research scholars and distinguished research professors to jointly design a plan that truly addresses the needs of the country.”
Professor Dr. Sirirurg Songsivilai, President of the National Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council (NSRIC), added, “Investing in the development of STI personnel is essential for Thailand today. We need to accelerate the creation of researchers with diverse knowledge, capabilities, and skills to compete on the global stage.”
This meeting focused on three main issues:
- Frontier Research: Creating new knowledge and developing advanced technologies in various fields such as health sciences, renewable energy, and digital technology.
- Increasing the Number and Developing Research Personnel: Creating incentives and opportunities for students and new researchers to enter research careers, as well as developing necessary skills and expertise.
- Promoting Thailand as a Center for Skilled Personnel and Learning: Establishing collaborations with leading research institutes and universities abroad to attract researchers and students from around the world to work and study in Thailand.
Thailand’s STI Investment Situation
In 2023, Thailand’s investment in STI accounted for 1.14% of GDP, still below the government’s target of 2% of GDP by 2027 and lagging behind other ASEAN countries like Singapore (2.2%) and Malaysia (1.04%). The lack of funding is a significant obstacle to the development of Thailand’s STI system. Although the government has attempted to increase the budget in this area through the recently launched STI fund, it is still insufficient to meet the rapidly growing demand.
Impact on the Economic System
The shortage of researchers and insufficient investment in STI significantly impact Thailand’s economic system,particularly in the industrial sector, which relies on innovation and technology for competitiveness. Additionally, the lack of researchers affects social development in various areas such as public health, education, and the environment.Thailand’s GDP growth in 2023 was only 1.9%, a slowdown from the previous year.
Hope for Solutions
The collaboration between TSRI and senior researchers is a crucial step in addressing the shortage of researchers and enhancing Thailand’s competitiveness in STI. The plans resulting from this meeting will help establish a clear direction for producing and developing new researchers, as well as create a research ecosystem conducive to producing quality work. However, the success of this plan still depends on continued support from the government and the private sector,along with collaboration from all sectors of society.
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