The Cabinet has restructured the Thai Innovation Register by transferring the authority to verify the qualifications of products and services to the National Innovation Agency (NIA), replacing the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), effective 1 Oct 2026.
On 26 May 2026, Capt. Phatdarasmi Thongsaluaykorn, Deputy Government Spokesperson, announced the Cabinet meeting's decision to approve the review of agency assignments for managing the “Thai Innovation Register” as proposed by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI). The adjustment assigns the National Innovation Agency (NIA), a public organization, to verify the qualifications of innovation products and services seeking registration on the Thai Innovation Register, replacing the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA). This change will take effect from 1 Oct 2026. NSTDA will continue to provide ongoing technical support to NIA.
Previously, according to the Cabinet resolution on 22 Sep 2015, NSTDA was assigned as the agency to verify the qualifications of innovation products and services applying for registration on the Thai Innovation Register, while the Budget Bureau was responsible for price verification and announcing the register. NSTDA has played a crucial role in laying the foundation and driving the Thai Innovation Register system continuously.
However, to better align operational structures with the mission to promote and advance commercial innovation, MHESI consulted with relevant agencies and concluded that the National Innovation Agency (NIA), whose primary responsibilities include promoting, supporting, and developing the national innovation system as well as driving research outputs toward economic and social utilization, is more suitable to undertake the role of verifying qualifications of innovation products and services seeking registration on the Thai Innovation Register.
Capt. Phatdarasmi stated that this role adjustment will enhance the efficiency of managing the Thai Innovation Register, making it more agile, transparent, and aligned with the country's innovation ecosystem. At the same time, it will continue to rely on NSTDA’s expertise in science and technology to provide technical support, ensuring the verification process maintains consistent standards and credibility.
The Thai Innovation Register serves as a vital mechanism to support Thai entrepreneurs and innovations by allowing government agencies to procure registered innovation products and services directly, at a minimum of 30 percent of their total demand. Products or services registered will receive government procurement benefits for up to eight years to promote the competitiveness of Thai innovations internationally, reduce dependence on foreign imports, and increase opportunities for sustainable growth of Thai entrepreneurs based on innovation.
Meanwhile, the Budget Bureau will continue to perform price verification and announce registrations in the Thai Innovation Register as before, ensuring ongoing and efficient operations.