ส.อ.ท. ร่วมเวที “กองทุน ววน.” หนุนลงทุนวิจัย–นวัตกรรมไทยFTI Participates in the “Science Research and Innovation Fund” Forum to Support Thai Research and Innovation Investments

On Monday, August 4, 2025, Mr. Kriangkrai Tiennukul, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), participated in and spoke at the TSRI Policy Advocacy Series on the topic "Synergizing Strategic Investment through the Science Research and Innovation Fund" to exchange ideas and promote strategic investment in science, research, and innovation (SRI) among the government, private sector, and academia. Members of the FTI Board were present, including FTI Vice Chairman Mrs. Kanit Mueangkrajang, Mr. Charnporn Thengamnuay, Mr. Thanarak Pongphetra, Miss Pimnara Jiranithisonn, and Mr. Adul Khaolaor, along with Mr. Krit Eemsang, FTI Secretary-General, Mr. Kittipong Limsuwanrot, FTI Executive Committee Member, Mr. Kraw Tiennukul, FTI Committee Member on Digital, and Mr. Sornpakorn Sirakarnbandit, Secretary of the FTI Academy.

This event was organized by the Office of the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (NSTDA) at Phayathai Rooms 1–3, 6th floor of Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai in Bangkok.

During the event, we were honored by Prof. Dr. Siriruk Trongsivilai, Chairman of the Science, Research, and Innovation Promotion Committee, who presented the objectives of the event, followed by Ms. Sudawan Wangsupakijkosol, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), who opened the event and provided policy directions on supporting national research and innovation investments through the SRI Fund, emphasizing collaboration between the government, private sector, and academia to achieve tangible and sustainable results. Following this, Prof. Dr. Sompong Klamnongsrung delivered a welcoming speech to the honored guests attending the event.

During the seminar titled "Research and Innovation Investment Challenges: Industry vs Academic Perspectives," Mr. Kriangkrai shared industry perspectives on the direction of investment in research and innovation, highlighting the importance of connectivity and collaboration among the government, private sector, and academia to ensure the practical application of research outcomes. This is critical in enhancing the country’s competitiveness, providing examples of technology, innovation, and AI, as well as collaborations between the research sector and private enterprises, supported by the Chinese government as part of the supply chain, leading to substantial growth. He also supported the strategic investment approach through the "SRI Fund," asserting it as a correct and appropriate practice, stating that Thailand needs to be driven by technology and innovation.

However, the industrial sector itself must adapt by moving towards becoming Innovation Driven Enterprises (IDEs) and promoting growth in the private sector. The FTI has promoted the establishment of the "Innovation ONE Fund," which is a collaboration between the government and the private sector to support Tech Startups and Thai SMEs, enabling them to compete internationally and grow sustainably.

The seminar also featured insights from Prof. Dr. Bandit Uea-aporn, a member of the Science, Research, and Innovation Promotion Committee, who offered academic perspectives.

Additionally, there was a Special Talk from two leading Thai unicorns, namely Mr. Jirayuth Suwansri, Founder and CEO of Bitkub Capital Group Holdings Co., Ltd., and Mr. Khomsan Saelee, CEO and Founder of Flash Express Co., Ltd., who shared their experiences and ideas in creating innovations that elevate businesses to a global level.

This event marked a significant step in linking and integrating collaborative efforts from all sectors to drive Thailand’s science, research, and innovation system towards sustainable growth and responding to future economic and social challenges.