Thailand Accelerates Innovation Development to Become a Regional Innovation Hub

The National Innovation Agency (NIA) is strengthening collaboration with 19 universities in the Technology and Innovation Development Group to accelerate innovation-driven economic growth and support Thailand’s ambition of becoming a regional innovation hub.

Speaking at a national seminar in Chiang Mai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yodchanan Wongsawat emphasized the critical role of universities in connecting research with industry and addressing real economic challenges. He highlighted five future growth sectors that will shape Thailand’s economy by 2030: health and wellness, future food and bioeconomy, artificial intelligence and smart industries, climate resilience and smart agriculture, and transportation, logistics, and the creative economy.

NIA Executive Director Krichpaka Boonfueng noted that Thailand has re-entered the world’s top 50 startup ecosystems in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2026, reflecting the country’s growing innovation capabilities. 

Through its “Groom, Grant, Growth, and Global” framework, NIA is working with universities nationwide to strengthen innovation infrastructure, support entrepreneurship, and develop a sustainable innovation ecosystem that enhances Thailand’s competitiveness and long-term economic growth.