"Professor Chen" is advancing the transformation of regional science parks into vital centers pumping innovation, creating new entrepreneurs, and linking research with business. He is preparing a tour to attract investors and industries to the regions, asserting that the country cannot develop a New Growth Engine without trial and error.
On 21 Apr 2026 GMT+7, Professor Dr. Yossanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), provided policy directions and operational guidance to drive the utilization of science, research, and innovation through the mechanism of science parks. Present were Professor Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of MHESI, executives of the ministry, and representatives from regional science parks nationwide at the National Innovation Agency office (Yothi). The atmosphere was lively and energetic.
Professor Dr. Yossanan said the MHESI ministry is stepping into a new, more challenging and significant role. We will not merely conduct research isolated on a shelf; rather, we will be the "creator of success" for all sectors. The ministry does not need to be a lone hero but will serve as the powerhouse behind every ministry's achievement. When they succeed, the nation grows alongside us. This commitment underpins MHESI's role as a gear supporting all sectors to fulfill government policies across five areas: economic advancement, science diplomacy, social assistance, environmental and disaster management, and anti-corruption through technology.
The Deputy Prime Minister and MHESI Minister added that the essential element to build is not just modern buildings or labs but a powerful "innovation ecosystem." We must create an environment that encourages creativity. Regional Science Parks (RSPs) will be a key mechanism to bridge MHESI’s research and innovation "from the shelf to the market." The main goal of RSPs is to connect the education and research sector with business and innovation sectors to bring deep technology to market. Thus, RSPs will be spaces where "all important disciplines come together." I want RSPs to attract talented professionals from diverse fields—engineers, researchers, designers, accountants, and marketers—to meet and collaborate in a creative environment. This will lead to startups, spin-offs, or perfect joint ventures. Importantly, RSPs must be accessible to everyone—not only startups but also SMEs, students, and the general public interested in entrepreneurship.
Professor Dr. Yossanan further said that regional science parks will help the country escape the research trap and create a New Growth Engine to drive the economy. They will also serve as crucial catalysts to shift research goals from academic positions or publishing alone to generating economic value and solving real problems.
"The country will never have a New Growth Engine without trial and error, and those who try and err are entrepreneurs. Therefore, regional science parks must serve as incubators for these entrepreneurs and gateways to connect them with angel investors and venture capitalists. The MHESI ministry plans to visit each science park to attract media and investors to see the potential of these areas directly and to draw industry and investment into the regions. We must all work together to transform regional science parks into the heart pumping innovation, creating new entrepreneurs, and driving Thailand’s economy forward sustainably," Professor Dr. Yossanan concluded.
