The National Innovation Agency (NIA) has established its northern office in Chiang Mai to foster connections between innovators, academics and private firms in the region as well as draw new innovation to the country.
Meanwhile, the NIA expects to see research and development (R&D) investment in the North reach 263 million baht in the next five years, which could contribute to 0.042% of the gross regional and provincial product (GPP) and 0.0011% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) by that time.
"Major cities around the globe are gearing up to retain innovation-based companies and attract new innovation, which is crucial in driving the country's development in a long run," Pun-Arj Chairatana, executive director of the NIA, said in a virtual press conference to officially launch the office yesterday.
The NIA's northern office, or NIA Northern Regional Connect, is located in the Northern Science Park in Muang district, which covers 11 provinces in the North with a population of 7.8 million population.
The region contributed 7.7% to the country's GDP, or around 1.26 trillion baht in 2019.
"Chiang Mai is one of the global destinations of digital nomads, which can be our advantage," said Mr Pun-Arj, adding the NIA will work to foster connections between innovators, local administrators, academics, local communities, science parks and private sector for innovation development.
Chiang Mai has around 26,737 entrepreneurs, 149 startups, 2,639 community enterprises and 21,429 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
To support innovation development, NIA will provide financial support and groom innovation-based firms, build an alliance network and engage in intelligent data management.
"We aim to position Chiang Mai as an innovation hub in the North," said Mr Pun-Arj.
By 2026, new innovation centres will be established in another four northern provinces, along with another two innovation zones. This would create 3,000 jobs and allow 400 community representatives to gain access to technology.
There are still various challenges for innovation development in the regions. Efforts are needed to increase innovation-based enterprises that can respond to changes as well as push up the number of innovators, he said.
Attempts must be made to support the use of innovation infrastructures and bring equal access to innovation services.
There is a need to create innovation-building opportunities, ease rule hurdles, and create Thailand's image as an innovation country recognised by domestic and international communities.
