Thai Science Park to focus on bio-circular economy

Thailand Science Park, a flagship research and development hub in the Kingdom, will refocus its priorities on projects that advance a bio-, circular and green economy, a move that is in line with the national agenda.

“Thailand Science Park (TSP) is making four clusters its main priorities: agriculture, food, health and digital. These key sectors are imperative for the country’s competitiveness,” said Suwipa Wanasathop, Vice President of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and Director of TSP.

Thailand has adopted a 20-year National Strategy named Thailand 4.0. designed to propel the Kingdom to a higher level of development, it supports research and development, innovation, creativity, advanced technologies and adopting principles and practices of the circular economy, with an emphasis on green industries and bio-industries.

TSP administrators believe that by aligning with the national strategy, they can create more synergy to achieve the country’s goals.

Thailand Science Park is located in the province of Pathum Thani, just north of Bangkok. The park is home to 110 firms and five national research centers, with more than 2,000 researchers employed there. It also draws on the talent of five universities that are within striking distance of the park.

Founded in 2002 and managed by the NSTDA and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, “TSP” was Thailand’s first fully integrated center for technology and science research and development connected to businesses and the private sector.

Today, it complements the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), the Kingdom’s advanced development zone just east of Bangkok. The Corridor is larger in size and geared more towards private industry.

Nearly half of the companies at TSP are in the food and agriculture sector, as well as the automation, robotics and intelligent systems sector.

“Biotech can be useful in adding value to rice products that could foster product differentiation and subsequently boost exports,” Suwipa said. “Biotech can also be leveraged to make functional food, while nanotech can be applied to enhance the quality of cosmetic products, medical devices and dietary supplements.”

Photo courtesy of https://www.sciencepark.or.th/index.php/en/download/770/vdo-about-tsp-en/