University as a key player in regional Innovation System: a case … · ITAP: Industrial Technology Assistance Program - 10 local network alliances (universities, RTOs) - 12 foreign

www.nstda.or.th © NSTDA 2010 www.nstda.or.th © NSTDA 2010

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

www.nstda.or.th © NSTDA 2010

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


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


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


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


Mapping and matching innovation program

Funded by the Thai government

(through ITAP) and the Federal

republic of Germany (through GTZ)

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

Program

managers

& training

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

GTZ: providing RIS

consultant and European

experts

ITAP: providing local

experts

5/12


Major Mechanism to establish RIS

Phase I

Preparation

Phase II

Mapping research,

technology

development and

Innovation

Phase III

Matching

needs & supplies

6/12


Regional intervention teams

western

Central &

western

Southern

Southern

7/12


Structure of the regional intervention team as

operated under the southern science park

8/12

Source: adapted from the Research and Development Office, Prince Songkla University (2010)


Project result and discussion

9/12


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


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


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.)

Conclusion and policy recommendations

12/12


Thank

you

Documents

University as a key player in regional Innovation System: a case … · ITAP: Industrial Technology Assistance Program - 10 local network alliances (universities, RTOs) - 12 foreign