Get to know “Science Park” Chiang Mai University From the lab and research Toward innovation that adds economic value
Associate Professor Dr. Pitiwat Wattanachai, Director of the Science and Technology Park Chiang Mai University said that the origins of the Science Park or Science Park began with the research, technology and innovation process in the United States. Also known as Research, Technology & Innovation (RTI), these are important factors in the development of the United States. To make great progress Help create opportunities and generate income for all sectors.
At the same time, it also creates rights and freedom to create an equal quality of life. along with the government sector has realized the importance Therefore, there is pushing and supporting the driving mechanism. Operations in this manner continue. This led to the establishment of the Science Park, which then spread the idea to many areas around the world.
As for Thailand itself, we have a Science Park called Science Park. or science business estate It is a combination of science, technology and innovation (Science & Technology & Innovation: STI) together using the research and development process (Research Development Innovation: RDI) as the core of operations, which comes from the analysis of the model. intensely abroad
We found that science parks in other countries often large with support from the government sector and has resources for innovation and new technology From the country's leading research institutes, the idea of creating a University Science Park within the country was born. By bringing in resources from the university Whether it be teachers, researchers, research tools, knowledge and various research works. Come develop or improve new innovative production processes.
This is for the economy. The highest point that the university can develop is to have a laboratory (Laboratory) and expand it to a pilot plant (Pilot Plant). It is necessary to test assumptions and check the market first to see if the product meets customer needs or not. Also known as doing Market Validation.
Associate Professor Dr. Pitiwat said that for CMU Science Park and its role in supporting the development of the northern region's creative economy for sustainable growth, We must return to the Science and Technology Park. Chiang Mai University or STeP)
In addition to acting as part of driving the economy of Chiang Mai Province, We are also a base for Regional Science Park, North (Regional Science Park, North: RSP North) at the regional level as well. Currently, STeP serves to create the economic chain (Value Chain) to be as strong as possible.
“We believe that if a business related to innovation arises whenever We must act to increase channels and create profits by expanding the Value Chain as long as possible. It has the greatest number of stakeholders from supply to demand, so it can be upscaled to create maximum and sustainable benefits for the business.”
For this reason Therefore, we have been given the opportunity to develop the Northern Economic Corridor (NEC Master Plan) to connect the 4 northern provinces, namely Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, to create an economic network in the form of a corridor. Ready to continue investing to develop into a sustainable creative economy base of the country with the BCG Economy concept.
However, it is possible to drive the economy to grow. A variety of organizational forms need to be established. including community enterprises, SMEs and startups that are linked in the value chain through various activities. linked together in a chain From upstream to downstream in the production of products or services To create added value (Value Added) to that product, STeP plays an important role in supporting existing businesses.
Ready to help develop and expand the business to grow bigger. As for businesses that don't yet exist We will cultivate and develop it into a Startup Company by promoting the use of technology and innovation in combination with business development in various formats. To create a strong Value Chain connection.
Associate Professor Dr. Pitiwat further said that at present the park has entered the stage where it is desired to expand To focus on developing and upgrading the potential of startups in the network to grow sustainably. Therefore, we must always strive to develop continuously. To be able to create a New S-Curve with new innovations for the country.
In addition, it is committed to marketing Thai products and services to be accepted on a global level (Global Market) in order to be able to compete and grow in the international market. In the future it is expected that There will be new products and technology. continuously increasing, therefore providing a space for entrepreneurs to experiment and develop innovations To help create and develop new products. quickly and is ready to enter a market as large as 7,000 million people, instead of being limited to just 70 million people
“If today there is no Science Park There will be no link between all sectors. Of course, our nation will still be very tired because we haven't worked together. Both in modernizing and developing products that will contribute to the country's GDP, including having to rely on foreign technology in the future. The products must be imported from abroad. Thailand will lack the integration of personnel with a commercial perspective. As a result, business negotiations between producers and consumers are difficult. Obviously If we want to replace importing technology from abroad Our country needs a science park and without it the country's GDP cannot grow exponentially.”
