Transforming regional science parks to connect research and business, attracting investors and industries.

On April 21, 2026, Professor Dr. Yotsanun Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), delivered a policy speech outlining operational guidelines and strategies for utilizing science, research, and innovation through the science park mechanism. Professor Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of MHESI, along with MHESI executives and representatives from regional science parks nationwide, attended the event at the National Innovation Agency, MHESI (Yothi). The atmosphere was lively.

Professor Dr. Yotsanun stated that the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) is stepping into a new, more challenging and significant role. We will not be just a ministry that conducts research on a shelf, but we will be "creators of success" for all sectors. MHESI doesn't need to be a lone hero; we will be the driving force behind all ministries achieving their goals. Because when they succeed, the nation grows alongside us. This is MHESI's commitment to being a supporting component for the work of all sectors in order to respond to the government's five policy areas: economic development, science diplomacy, social assistance, environmental and disaster management, and combating corruption through technology.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) further stated that the key thing we need to create is not just modern buildings or labs, but a powerful "innovation ecosystem." We must create an environment that encourages people to create new things. Regional Science Parks (RSPs) will be a crucial mechanism for bridging MHESI's research and innovation from "the shelf to the market." The main goal of Regional Science Parks is to connect education and research with business and innovation to bring deep tech into the market. Therefore, Regional Science Parks will be spaces where "all important disciplines come together." I want to see Regional Science Parks attract talented people from diverse professions—engineers, researchers, designers, accountants, and marketers—to meet and collaborate (multidisciplinary team) in an environment conducive to creativity, leading to the establishment of successful startups, spin-offs, or joint ventures. Importantly, Regional Science Parks must be easily accessible to everyone, not just startups, but also SMEs, students, and the general public interested in entrepreneurship.

Professor Dr. Yoschanan further stated that regional science parks will help the country escape the research trap and create a new growth engine for the economy. Furthermore, they are a crucial component in stimulating the research community to shift its focus from conducting research solely for academic advancement or publication, to creating economic value and solving real-world problems.

“A country cannot have a new growth engine without trial and error, and those who do this are the entrepreneurs. Regional science parks must therefore serve as platforms for nurturing these entrepreneurs and as gateways to independent investors (Angel Funds) and Venture Capital (VC). The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation plans to visit each science park to attract media and investment attention, allowing them to directly learn about the potential of the area and attracting industry and investment to the regions. We must work together to transform regional science parks into hearts that pump innovation, create new entrepreneurs, and drive Thailand's economy forward sustainably,” Prof. Dr. Yoschanan concluded.