NXPO and the Centre for SDG Research and Support (SDG Move) of Thammasat University convened a meeting to introduce an assessment tool for enterprise BCG capacity to representatives from industries. The event was held on 24 April 2024 at the Sukosol Hotel, Bangkok and was livestreamed.
In her inaugural address, NXPO Director of Sustainable Policy Division Dr. Saravanee Singtong, highlighted NXPO’s efforts in fostering innovation development by removing regulatory barriers. These endeavors include promoting the university holding company scheme to encourage joint investment in research commercialization and revising R&D procurement regulations in universities. In addition, NXPO serves as Thailand’s national designated entity (NDE) to facilitate the transfer of climate technology under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
“Net zero emissions are not only a trend, but also a call for action, particularly in green supply chains,” Dr. Saravanee remarked. “Through consultations with stakeholders aimed at bolstering the competitiveness of Thai industries, this project was initiated to develop a tool to assist Thai enterprises in this transition.”
Prof. Chol Bunnag, Director of SDG Move and Co-Manager of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Thailand, presented the BCG indicators and policy recommendations to promote sustainability for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He outlined the project’s objective, which aims to create the BCG assessment tool and criteria to facilitate access to finance and benefits. The developed tool will be further presented to relevant agencies for the adoption and implementation.
In this project, NXPO, the Office of Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion (OSMEP) and SDG Move, jointly designed the BCG indicators across four dimensions: sustainability management, value chain, governance, and innovation. In addition, guidelines have been established for using this tool for self-assessment and self-declaration, as well as by inspection/certification bodies.
Following the presentation, a forum titled “Support Systems for MSMEs to Navigate the Era of Global Boiling” was held, with panelists including Dr. Petmanee Daowieng, OSMEP Deputy Director; Dr. Savanit Boonyasuwat, member of BCG Working Group at the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI); Dr. Peeraporn Palapleevalya, Secretary-General of the Sustainable Consumption and Production Association, Thailand (Thai SCP); and Dr. Watson Ariyaphuttarat, President of the Thai Association for Biotech Industries (ThaiBIO). Moderated by Dr. Chanida Sansaard, NXPO Policy Specialist, the forum addressed a range of issues, including global landscape, challenges posed by the global boiling phenomenon, sustainable business practices, and support measures for MSMEs to engage in green business. Additionally, suggestions were made on how large corporations could support small enterprises, including raising awareness, providing market access training, offering financial assistance, and building capacity to enhance competitiveness in domestic and international markets.
