The APEC Center for Technology Foresight (APEC CTF), hosted by NXPO, recently participated in the APEC 2026 Senior Officials’ Meeting 1 (SOM1), the 27th Meeting of the Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI), and related meetings held in Guangzhou, China. The Thai delegation was led by Dr. Surachai Sathitkunarat, President of NXPO and Executive Director of APEC CTF. The participation aimed to strengthen APEC cooperation in science, technology and innovation (STI) and to exchange policy approaches that address emerging regional challenges.

On 31 January 2026, Dr. Surachai attended the meeting of the Mission-Oriented Innovation Policy (MOIP) Committee, which served as a platform for discussing new policy approaches that emphasize clearly defined and ambitious “missions” to tackle complex social and economic challenges. The discussions also explored ways to enhance policy effectiveness and increase tangible outcomes from cooperation under the APEC framework.

On 1 February 2026, the delegation participated in the 27th PPSTI Meeting, during which Dr. Surachai presented progress on the work of the APEC CTF. His presentation highlighted the Center’s role in promoting the use of foresight tools to guide STI policy development in the APEC region, as well as its ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation and build capacity among APEC member economies. The APEC CTF also shared experiences in implementing foresight activities across the region and fostering collaborative networks to promote knowledge exchange and the transfer of technologies essential to achieving shared missions.

The meeting further discussed key issues related to promoting sustainable cooperation, strengthening linkages with other APEC working groups, and exploring future joint initiatives between PPSTI and specialized units under the PPSTI framework, with the aim of reinforcing networks and enhancing regional STI cooperation.

In addition, the Thai delegation presented progress on APEC-endorsed projects under the session “Enhancing Regional Science and Technology Connectivity.” The presentations were delivered by Dr. Kommate Jitvanichphaibool, Senior Director for Strategic Foresight and Futures Studies at NXPO and Deputy Director of APEC CTF, together with Dr. Srichattra Chaivongvilan, Strategist at NXPO. Three projects were presented:
• Comparative Analysis and Foresight of Emerging Infectious Diseases (EIDs) in APEC (THA, PPSTI 206 2024A)
• Identification of Emerging Signals Affecting Carbon Neutrality in APEC Using Foresight (THA, PPSTI 211 2024A)
• APEC Energy Transition Towards Net Zero: Foresight Scenarios and Policy Impact (THA, PPSTI 03 2024S)

Participation in these meetings not only strengthened Thailand’s role in regional cooperation on STI and innovation policy, but also enabled the country to draw on insights and best practices to inform the formulation of Thailand’s higher education, science, research and innovation plans. These efforts support the enhancement of national competitiveness and contribute to sustainable development over the long term.

Established in 1998, the APEC Center for Technology Foresight (APEC CTF) is the first and only regional foresight center within APEC. It serves as a long-term foresight mechanism under PPSTI, providing continuous support for the development of science, technology and innovation policies for APEC and its member economies.