Thailand Adopts Mission-Oriented Innovation Policy for Global Standards
Thailand launched a mission-oriented innovation policy to boost competitiveness and align research with international standards, focusing on AI, climate change, and aging society challenges through 2032.
The Office of the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation held its first public policy conference titled "Transforming Thailand through Mission-Oriented Innovation Policy (MOIP)" at Pullman King Power Hotel in Bangkok on July 1, 2025. Deputy Prime Minister Yossakrun Wungsawat, who also chairs the NXPO, presided over the event, which attracted over 200 senior officials from government, private sector, educational institutions, and policymakers.
Yossakrun emphasized the importance of mission-oriented innovation policy as a critical mechanism for guiding national development and enhancing Thailand's competitiveness amid rapid economic, social, and technological changes. The NXPO plans to align higher education, science, research, and innovation policies with international standards by implementing the MOIP framework for a five-year strategic plan (2028-2032) to establish clear national development objectives and coordinate all sectors systematically.
Yossakrun noted that Thailand already possesses a strong knowledge base, research infrastructure, and scientific capacity, so the country need not start from scratch but should build upon existing expertise to address national development challenges. He highlighted three priority challenge areas: addressing global technology competition through AI, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and robotics; tackling climate change through circular economy, green energy, and space technology initiatives; and preparing for an aging society through wellness, precision medicine, future food, and creative economy development.
Yossakrun stressed that policy implementation requires integration across all ministries, diverse policy tools, legal reforms, and continuous monitoring and impact assessment. He also emphasized elevating Thailand's research standards to align with OECD guidelines to build confidence in research quality, funding systems, and operational standards.
