10 technologies to watch in 2025
Organisations, businesses, and the public must adapt to technological changes that will reshape industries and society in the year to come
As the new year approaches, trends in technology and innovation are evolving rapidly, necessitating swift adjustments to keep up. The recent “Research X Innovation 2025” conference organised by the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), the Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO) and the World Bank, examined global trends and announced Thailand’s research and innovation direction for 2025.
Xavier Cirera, senior economist at the World Bank, emphasised that for Thailand, evaluations of science, technology, and innovation (STI) policies will concentrate on three key areas: Increasing the impact of innovation policies to accelerate Thailand’s transition to a high-income nation; maximising the effectiveness of STI policies for both economic and societal benefits and developing STI policies to address the innovation gap and strengthen Thailand’s global competitiveness.
Professor Emeritus Siriruek Songsivilai, Chairman of the TSRI, discussed the global trends and directions for Thai research and innovation in 2025, noting that significant challenges for Thailand's STI system had been faced in 2024. However, Thai researchers and academics made progress and despite global comparisons, Thailand’s performance remains strong, with 27,108 pieces of research, 6,660 quality research topics, and 542 articles in the Top 10 journals worldwide. Being included in the Top 10 journals is a strong indication of Thailand's research capabilities.
Siriruek also pointed to Thailand’s strengths in several research fields, including health and medical sciences and agriculture and noted that Thailand has made advancements in AI research, with successful developments in AI-assisted ultrasound technology.
Thai inventors from various institutions showcased their work in international competitions last year, winning up to 385 awards, he added,
In terms of international collaboration, Thailand’s involvement in lunar exploration with China shows promise, with future contributions, such as crystal research in partnership with NASA.
Progress was also made on satellite-based Earth surface exploration, such as the THEOS satellite. This year, the satellite began sending valuable images, particularly for disaster management, such as flood management efforts.
“The collaboration with the World Bank will lead to a detailed health check of Thailand’s STI system, helping to track the real status and identify key issues related to development. This will allow us to assess where we stand, understand our strengths and weaknesses, and pinpoint areas for future growth,” he said,
“By using existing data, we can measure and monitor these factors accurately and in real-time. Discussions with the World Bank will focus on how to cooperate effectively with both academic experts and World Bank executives. Thailand has the potential to create significant value from STI, with continuous private-sector engagement.”
Siriruek named the 10 key technologies to watch in 2025 as:
AI - Artificial Intelligence
CE - Clean & renewable energy
D4 - Digitalisation 4.0
RB - Industrial & service robotics
OT - Quantum computing
CC - Climate change and extreme weather technology
HT - Advanced health technology
SE - Space economy
EV - Electrified transportation
NT - Neuro-technology
