Strategic Focus on Innovation and AI Development
The Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) minister has directed the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) to drive progress in two critical areas: the development of modern technology aligned with global megatrends and the cultivation of artificial intelligence (AI) talent to support the National AI strategy. This strategic shift emphasizes not only scientific advancement but also practical applications that benefit society.
A Shift in Research Direction
The NSTDA is reorienting its research focus to broaden the impact across government, industrial, and social sectors. This means moving away from an exclusive emphasis on new discoveries and research excellence towards initiatives that deliver tangible benefits. The agency’s 2026 fiscal year budget stands at 5.19 billion baht, reflecting a 3% increase compared to the previous year. This funding supports a wide range of projects aimed at addressing national challenges through science and innovation.
Emphasis on National AI Strategy
Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol has emphasized the need for the NSTDA to prioritize the development of science, research, and innovation. This includes advancing modern agriculture, disaster prevention and mitigation, creating low-carbon industries that boost domestic component usage, and developing liveable cities through digital and AI technologies. The agency is also tasked with nurturing talent at all levels and leading the framework for national AI development.
Vision for the Second Phase
Under the NSTDA’s second-phase vision, the agency is working closely with various ministries to enhance public service delivery. This phase is driven by four key strategies: advancing critical technologies, optimizing infrastructure, developing science and technology talent, and improving management efficiency. These efforts are all aimed at maximizing the national impact of scientific research.
Creating Value Through Innovation
President Sukit Limpijumnong highlighted that the main goal of the second phase is to ensure that research studies truly benefit users. This is guided by the principle of “Create-Adapt-Preserve-Abandon.” The approach involves creating value through science and technology, adapting by shifting from researcher-led initiatives to solutions based on real-world challenges, preserving leading talent, and abandoning the traditional view that success is measured solely by publications or patents.
Advancing AI in Education
The NSTDA and the Education Ministry are leveraging AI to upgrade the educational system through the LEAD platform. This platform uses AI to analyze student learning and supports personalized teaching. Additionally, the KidBright AI platform equips students with coding and AI skills for lifelong learning.
Enhancing Food Security and Productivity
To improve food security and boost productivity, the NSTDA is collaborating with the Agriculture Ministry to modernize farming practices. Key efforts include smart greenhouses for year-round high-value crops, cassava disease diagnostic kits, eco-friendly pest control, and expanded animal vaccine research with the Department of Livestock Development.
Promoting Precision Medicine
In partnership with the Public Health Ministry, the NSTDA is promoting precision medicine and developing a centralized medical AI data platform. This platform analyzes symptoms via medical images and has already collected over 2.2 million images across eight major disease groups. This initiative supports faster and more accurate diagnoses through AI.
Genomics Thailand Project
The NSTDA leads the Genomics Thailand project, which aims to improve treatment and prevention using genomic data. This initiative plays a crucial role in advancing personalized medicine and public health strategies.
Industry 4.0 Adoption
The agency promotes Industry 4.0 adoption by developing digital platforms that raise factory standards. These platforms help industries become more efficient and competitive in the global market.
Smart Living and Digital Healthcare
In the realm of smart living, the NSTDA’s Traffy Fondue platform transforms urban management by enabling real-time issue reporting and data-driven governance. It is used by around 37 million people and 19,000 agencies. The Digital Healthcare platform connects 7.8 million users to primary care services, easing hospital congestion and supporting universal coverage.
Resilient Agricultural Solutions
To combat climate threats to agriculture, the NSTDA has developed resilient rice varieties that offer high yields and disease resistance, ensuring food security and commercial viability.
Supporting Industrial Competitiveness
The agency has created net zero and circular economy tools for 180 agencies, helping Thai industries prepare for the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism regulations. These tools are essential for maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global market.