NXPO, in collaboration with the Energy Research Institute of Chulalongkorn University, convened a workshop titled “Strategic Directions of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) for Driving the Implementation of the Draft Climate Change Act toward Net Zero and Climate Resilience.” Held on 19 December 2025, the event marked the third workshop in an ongoing study examining MHESI’s roles and potential impacts under the forthcoming Climate Change Act.

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Wongkot Wongsapai, Vice President of NXPO, noted that the workshop series serves as a platform for policy dialogue and strategic development to enhance the preparedness of Thailand’s higher education, science, research, and innovation ecosystem ahead of the enforcement of climate change legislation. He also highlighted key outcomes from the previous two workshops.

The first workshop, held on 27 August 2025, focused on analyzing the overall landscape and MHESI’s roles in advancing science, technology, and innovation (STI) across five key areas: 1) higher education and science policy and strategy formulation; 2) research and development support; 3) STI human capital and skills development; 4) innovation infrastructure development and technology scaling; and 5) domestic and international engagement. Using the Importance–Readiness Matrix, participants prioritized MHESI’s roles and categorized strategic issues into four groups: Quick Wins, Strategic Investments, Low-Hanging Fruit, and Monitor and Explore.

The second workshop, convened on 22 October 2025, focused on developing strategic directions within the five key areas. Key priorities included formulating a climate research and innovation strategy, advancing mission-oriented and transdisciplinary research, upgrading specialized human capital, strengthening climate data infrastructure, and establishing policy and green finance cooperation mechanisms at both national and international levels.

“The third workshop provides an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on and refine these strategic directions, strengthening Thailand’s capacity to adapt to climate change. The feedback gathered will inform evidence-based policy recommendations for MHESI,” said Assoc. Prof. Wongkot.

At the event, Dr. Jakapong Pongthanaisawan from the Energy Research Institute presented the development processes and outlined four core strategies:

• Strategy 1: Mission to Net Zero and Climate Resilience — emphasizing policy integration and positioning MHESI as a leading public-sector organization in advancing net-zero emissions and climate resilience.
• Strategy 2: Climate Innovation for Action — focusing on low-carbon technology deployment in industry; the development of measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) tools to support national climate governance; data, technology, and knowledge development for sustainable, area-based adaptation; and carbon economic instruments to enhance national competitiveness.
• Strategy 3: Green Human Capital and Capacity Development — elevating universities as national hubs for climate-related research, innovation, and services, alongside the development of national climate science data systems and public communication mechanisms.
• Strategy 4: National and International Cooperation — strengthening collaboration in research, innovation, and human capital development to drive national climate action, while expanding international cooperation in climate-related knowledge, technology, and innovation.

Discussions and exchanges during the workshop led to several key observations and recommendations:

1. Strategic Direction

• MHESI should take a more proactive role in driving implementation of the Climate Change Act, leveraging academic knowledge and expertise.
• A dedicated working group should be established within MHESI to coordinate demands from industry and the public, ensuring alignment with real-world conditions.
• A task force should be formed to plan proactive adaptation measures ahead of the Act’s expected enforcement in 2027.

2. Research & Innovation and Private Sector Support

• Climate change should be elevated as a top-priority agenda in the Science, Research, and Innovation Plan for 2028–2032.
• Long-term budget allocation—particularly for flagship climate technology projects—should be ensured through multi-year funding frameworks of at least three to five years.
• Targeted incentives should be introduced to encourage private-sector investment at the pilot scale and reduce barriers to commercialization.
• Greater emphasis should be placed on high-impact, cutting-edge initiatives, such as sustainable materials development, in response to global demand.

3. Human Capital & Literacy

• Climate change literacy should be promoted through creative and accessible media, including tools such as board games.
• Climate Change and Sustainability courses (e.g., CFO, CFP, and Thailand Taxonomy) should be made compulsory for students across all faculties.
• Upskilling and reskilling efforts should prioritize short-term, certification-based training to strengthen the operational workforce.

4. Data & Technology

• Data integration should be strengthened through government investment in essential data infrastructure, particularly water-related data, with clearly defined adaptation timelines for areas such as food security and disaster management.
• The use of space technology should be expanded by upgrading green-area reporting based on satellite imagery from Tier 1 to Tier 2 and 3, enhancing analytical accuracy for economic and trade-related assessments.
• MRV training node networks should be established in collaboration with universities, alongside the development of T-VER curricula for application at the ASEAN regional level.

5. SMEs Support & Inclusivity

• SMEs remain concerned about the costs associated with CFO/CFP preparation and high verification fees, reflecting limited readiness.
• Universities should expand their role as Net Zero Hubs beyond campus boundaries to serve surrounding communities.
• Clear support measures—both financial and technical—should be provided by MHESI to help SMEs reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adopt new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI).
• The principle of a Just Transition should be integrated throughout implementation.

6. Policy Infrastructure

• Policy implementation should integrate both top-down and bottom-up approaches.
• Sector-specific guidelines tailored to Thailand’s national contexts should be developed.
• A low carbon governance manual for government agencies should be prepared.

The outcomes of the workshop will be synthesized into strategic directions and policy recommendations for submission to the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council for further consideration and action.