Experts brainstorm on national science, innovation plan

The meeting was held at the Century Park Hotel by the Office of the Science, Research, Innovation Promotion Board, which has been upgraded from the Office of Thailand Science Research and Innovation.
Prof Dr Sutthiphan Jitpimolmart, director of the new office, said some 200 specialists from 17 fields from both public and state sectors and civil groups were invited to give their opinions on the draft of the science plan for 2020 to 2022.
He said the meeting was aimed at reviewing the national science strategy and master plans for research and innovations as well as plans for the country’s science and technology’s reform.
He said his office cooperated with the Undergraduate Education, Research, Science and Innovation Council to review the master plans and strategy.
The brainstorming session covered seven topics: 1) Thais and lifetime learning; 2) Building area-based sustainability and security; 3) Environment and natural resources; 4) Social equality and quality of life; 5) Innovative industry; 6) Innovative infrastructure and economy; and 7) National development and ecology.
The ideas from the brainstorming will be used in drafting the national strategy and development plan, Sutthiphan added.
Dr Kittipong Promwong, director of the undergraduate education council, said the drafting of the national science, research and innovation plan is an urgent agenda and carried out in accordance with the master plan of the national strategy.
He said the science, research and innovation plan is aimed at solving key issues of the society; increasing the country’s science and innovation competitiveness; launching area-based development; and creating science and technology sustainability in term of human resources, universities and institutions.