9. Abstract
Title Proactive strategies for the development of research to strengthen Thailand’s
potential power and competitiveness
Field Science and Technology
Name Professor Dr. Soottiporn Chittmittrapap Course NDC Class 51
Research to develop knowledge and innovation is a key strategy to drive many
countries towards a knowledge-based economy and wealth of the nation. Thailand also determines
to use research as an important driving tool for the rapid development of the country to achieve a
similar target together with the self-sufficient approach, thus requires a set of proactive strategies.
This is a descriptive study using 5 methods of data collection; 1.Literature review
2.Review of strategies and plans on research development especially in relation to capacity building
and competitiveness of Thailand in the global arena 3.Questionnaires 4.In-depth interviews
5.Focus Group discussion.
This study has analyzed the development on research of the developed countries and
compared it with the current situation and trends on Thailand’s development on research by using
information and data of the concerned agencies and others sources of the above-mentioned data.
The result was categorized and grouped as enabling factors, strengths, opportunities, weaknesses,
threats and problems. Based on these factors, a set of proactive strategies on research reform and
development has been synthesized in order to enhance Thailand’s capacities and competitiveness.
Eight proactive strategies have been formulated as follows: 1.Paradigm change on the
concept of research 2.Structural reform of the national research system 3.Reform of national
research budget system, appropriated amount of budget and its allocation 4.Human resource
development in research, science and technology 5.Value-adding to the research products and to the
value-chain of goods and products of Thailand 6.Enhancement of harmonization and collaboration
in comprehensive plan and management 7.Improvement of research, science and technology
infrastructures 8.International technology transfer for a great-leap forward in research development.
Implementation of these proactive strategies must be fully supported and continuously deployed
hence resulting in a reform of research system in Thailand and therefore enhancing Thailand’s
capacities and competitiveness.