Thailand has introduced a new phase in its national research and innovation strategy with the launch of the Thailand RISE Fund, a rebranded national funding initiative aimed at accelerating the transition from academic research to tangible economic and social impact.
The initiative was highlighted at the Thailand RISE Fund Forum: RISE UP THAILAND, held in collaboration with Chulalongkorn University, where policymakers, researchers, industry leaders and innovation stakeholders gathered to discuss how the country can strengthen its position in the global innovation economy.
From research output to real-world impact
Thailand’s research output has expanded significantly over the past decade. However, national leaders say the country’s next challenge is ensuring that research contributes directly to economic development and societal progress.
According to Wilert Puriwat, president of Chulalongkorn University, national progress depends not only on producing knowledge but also on turning that knowledge into practical outcomes. “A country advances not simply because it produces knowledge, but because it can transform knowledge into a coordinated system that connects policy, research, innovation and industry,” he said. Universities must play a strategic role in driving national development by moving research beyond the laboratory and into real-world applications that deliver measurable economic and social benefits, he added.
Sompong Klaynongsruang, president of Thailand Science Research and Innovation, said the country’s science, research and innovation system must operate with clear direction—from strategic policy and targeted funding to the practical application of research outcomes. She noted that collaboration among universities, government agencies and the private sector will be key to creating long-term national impact. “When all sectors move forward together, research will not only generate knowledge but also create meaningful national transformation,” she said.
A strategic shift in research funding
Officials say the transition to the Thailand RISE Fund reflects a broader shift in how the country approaches research support. Ake Pattaratanakun, chairman of the RISE Fund Strategic Communications Subcommittee, said Thailand has already increased the volume of its academic research in recent years. The challenge now is ensuring that research produces real economic and social value. He said the fund is designed to help bridge the gap between research institutions and industry by focusing on proof of impact rather than publication numbers.
The Thailand RISE Fund operates under a strategic framework built around four pillars: research, Innovation, science excellence, and ecosystem. The ecosystem pillar emphasizes partnerships among universities, businesses, government agencies, and communities to support a more comprehensive national innovation economy.
Expanding participation across the country
The initiative also aims to broaden participation in the innovation system by expanding engagement beyond major research centers. Regional forums and outreach activities are planned to help researchers and entrepreneurs develop collaborative projects aligned with local economic strengths. The approach reflects a shift toward a more distributed and inclusive innovation ecosystem.
The long-term vision of the Thailand RISE Fund is to strengthen the role of research in Thailand’s development strategy. By focusing on measurable impact and long-term value creation, the initiative aims to enhance the country’s competitiveness while supporting sustainable economic and social development.
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