Intermediary organization as a catalyst of the development of regional innovation system: a case of Thailand

Transcription

1 Intermediary organization as a catalyst of the development of regional innovation system: a case of Thailand by Thitapha Smitinont, Nattaka Yokakul, Sauwapa Yuwawutto, Numtip Charoenanong and Somchai Chatratana Industrial Technology Assistance Program (ITAP) National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) Thailand

2 Outlines Introduction Regional innovation system and intermediary Mapping and matching innovation in selected agro sub-sector Result and discussion Conclusion and policy recommendation 1/12

3 Introduction National Innovation System in Thailand at a development stage and yet fragmented poor development of lower levels of governance system such as RIS and SIS Ineffective government supports Weak links and low level of collaboration among implementing agencies located in Metropolitan area (Bangkok) Aim of the paper Exploring a mechanism that creates environment for establishment of RIS by using a case of collaborative project Mapping and matching innovation in selected agro sub-sector 2/12

4 Regional Innovation System (RIS) Focus on geographical proximity, networking and knowledge sharing within a boundary (Cooke, 1997) Provide a good foundation that support a national level Improve competitiveness of individual firms and a region RIS and innovation intermediary Require strong links between actors (university, government, industry) Need innovation intermediary in developing countries to facilitate linkage & network and build social relationship Proactive intermediary: university, government agency, private organization etc. 3/12

5 To promote local university to be proactive in Regional Innovation System What is needed? The system to promote the transferring of invention to innovation and transferring the innovative technology to commercialization. An integrated activity of intermediaries is essential for creating effective network of government, university and industry including other support organizations. The European Regional Innovation Strategy* was implemented in Thailand through the collaboration of ITAP, GTZ, provincial FTI and local universities *European Commission. (1997) Practical guide to regional innovation actions GTZ: The German Technical Cooperation FTI: The Federal of Thai Industry 4/12

6 Mapping and matching innovation program Funded by the Thai government (through ITAP) and the Federal republic of Germany (through GTZ) Program managers & training GTZ: providing RIS consultant and European experts ITAP: providing local experts ITAP: Industrial Technology Assistance Program - 10 local network alliances (universities, RTOs) - 12 foreign alliances (EU, Canada, USA and Japan etc.) - 70 Industrial Technology Advisors (ITA) - Innovation intermediary providing financial support and facilitating linkage development Local actors Regional ITAP nodes The Federal of Thai Industry (FTI) University Technology Licensing Office (TLO) University Business incubator (UBI) University Research and Development Office (RDO) Industrial firms from 5 agro sub-sectors Fresh fruits and vegetables, Mango, shrimp, palm oil and rubber 5/12

7 Major Mechanism to establish RIS Phase I Preparation Phase II Mapping research, technology development and Innovation 6/12 Phase III Matching needs & supplies

8 Regional intervention teams western Central & western Southern Southern 7/12

9 Structure of the regional intervention team as operated under the southern science park Source: adapted from the Research and Development Office, Prince Songkla University (2010) 8/12

10 Project result and discussion 9/12

11 Success & Failure in adopting RIS concept Composition of team University policy Technology readiness Funding for pilot-scale study Market readiness Firms technological capability Supporting for spin-offs 10/12

12 Conclusion and policy recommendations Regional universities can play active roles in RIS BUT they should provide necessary resources e.g. experts, funding, and innovation infrastructure Regional innovation center or science park is crucial for creating ecosystem that supports innovation generation for industrial firms The establishment of RIS should be designed specifically to suit local context. Innovation intermediary plays important role to facilitate network development, demand-supply of technology matching, building good relationships 11/12

13 Conclusion and policy recommendations In order to successfully develop and sustain RIS, the focus should be on three levels 1) policy framework 2) institutionalization (funding, implementation, laws, regulations and control system) and 3) implementation levels (integrated support mechanism, team work, project management, etc.) 12/12

14 Thank you