Program Management Unit for Human Resources and Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMU-B)
“Advancing Research, Empowering Talent, Transforming the Future.”
Program Management Unit for Human Resources and Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMU-B) drives in “Advancing Research, Empowering Talent, Transforming the Future.”
PMUB is a leading organization in funding management, driving talent development, advancing frontier research and cutting-edge technology to enhance national competitiveness, foster innovation, transform industries, strengthen global networks, and propel Thailand towards a sustainable future.
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6 Critical Technology Platforms with Strategic Potential for Thailand's Economic Development
Based on comprehensive analysis of the National Strategy by the National Economic and Social Development Council, government policies, national urgent priorities, policies of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, and the Higher Education Policy and Strategy Framework (2020-2027), as well as the Science, Research and Innovation Plan (2023-2027), six critical technology platforms have been identified
(1) Digital and Computing Technology Platform
According to the digital economy overview by the National Digital Economy and Society Commission (NDESC), Thailand’s digital economy was valued at 2.117 trillion baht in 2022, representing 12.19% of GDP. The 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan has set a target to elevate Thailand’s digital economy to 30% of GDP by 2027.
(2) Sensor and Electronics Technology Platform
The Federation of Thai Industries reported that in 2021, Thailand’s electronics exports reached 1,134 billion baht, ranking 14th globally and 4th in ASEAN, trailing Singapore, Vietnam, and Malaysia with export values of 5,109, 3,645, and 2,975 billion baht respectively. Thailand’s primary electronics exports include HDDs and PCBA integrated circuits.
(3) Biotechnology Platform
According to Precedence Research, continuous surge in biotechnology demand at an average annual growth rate of 11.5% has intensified competition in the industry, particularly in the research and development sector. The biotechnology business integrates technology with various scientific knowledge domains applied to living organisms, including biopharmacy, bioindustries, bioagriculture, bio services, and bioinformatics. In 2023, the biotechnology industry was valued at over 1.38 trillion USD.
(4) Clean Energy Technology and Decarbonisation Platform
At the 26th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26), Thailand, as a signatory party, announced its commitment to achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2050 and Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065. Supporting and developing clean energy technologies and decarbonisation mechanisms is critical for integrating alternative electricity generation technologies that are environmentally sustainable.
(5) Advanced Materials Technology Platform
The Office of Industrial Economics has classified advanced materials as a 2nd Wave S-curve industry requiring transformation from traditional sectors including textiles and garments, leather goods, gems and jewelry, metals, processed wood, glass, cement, and ceramics into composite materials. These materials are developed through advanced technologies to create durable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly products capable of adapting to future changes.
(6) Frontier Technology Platform (STI Plan-Related)
This technology group comprises: 1) Earth and Space Systems Technology, which extends beyond space exploration to enhance human quality of life through improved weather forecasting and monitoring, serves as a vital tool for natural resource exploration, and enables convenient communication in remote areas via satellite technology; 2) High Energy Physics and Plasma Technology, applied in manufacturing processes such as material surface coating, solar cell production, medical plasma applications for sterilization, and cancer treatment; and 3) Quantum Technology, utilized for discovering novel materials with specialized properties suitable for specific applications, such as materials with excellent thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and lightweight characteristics applicable across multiple industries.
- Supporting scientific and technological development across these six technology platforms will enable Thailand to effectively respond to emerging transformational circumstances, enhance quality of life, and elevate products and services through domestically-owned technologies to create new opportunities for developing the nation’s future industries. This will strengthen Thailand’s economic competitiveness foundation by leveraging advanced technologies to upgrade production and service delivery in future industries. Consequently, comprehensive and targeted investment approaches aligned with each technology platform’s strategic focus are essential to maximize the broad-reaching impact of national investments.
Collaboration Opportunities
As one of the nine PMUs under Science Research and Innovation (SRI) System, PMU-B manages the research funding to capitalize on Brainpower, Frontier research, Institutional Development, and Infrastructure in Science Technology and Innovation (STI).
Key Areas for Collaboration:
Talent Development
Allocate funding to develop skilled professionals in key fields essential for national growth, aligning government policies and strategic priorities.
Research & Innovation
Provide scholarships and research grants to cultivate high-caliber researchers and foster groundbreaking innovations.
Institutional Support
Strengthen universities and research institutions to enhance Thailand’s research and innovation capabilities.
Scientific Infrastructure
Invest in the development of scientific and technological infrastructure to support the expansion of the research and innovation ecosystem.
Activities
Contact Partner
Closing Note
PMU-B positions to be an excellent catalyst to foster capacity building in Brainpower, Frontier research, and STI Infrastructure for uplifting Thailand’s Future.
