On 23 December 2025, Dr. Surachai Sathitkunarat, President of NXPO, delivered a presentation on Thailand’s national policies and strategies on higher education, science, research and innovation at the Meeting of the Research and Innovation Committee organized by the Council of University Presidents of Thailand.
Dr. Surachai outlined the governance structure of the higher education, science, research and innovation system following the national reform and the establishment of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI). Under the restructured system, government agencies were reclassified, with NXPO entrusted with formulating national policies for both higher education and science, research and innovation. In the science, research and innovation domain, planning and budget allocation from the Science, Research and Innovation Fund are administered by Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), currently operating through ten program management units (PMUs). The research and innovation ecosystem encompasses public and private higher education institutions, public research institutes, foundations and non-profit organizations, as well as the private sector and civil society. For higher education, budget allocation is provided through the Higher Education Fund, supporting 174 higher education institutions nationwide.
NXPO serves as the secretariat of the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council. In this role, NXPO develops policy measures, mechanisms, and evidence-based research to support the formulation of national policies. The current framework and plans are aligned with the 20-Year National Strategy and the National Economic and Social Development Plan. In collaboration with TSRI, NXPO is currently formulating the policy and strategy framework for 2028–2032, which will also align with the forthcoming 14th National Economic and Social Development Plan.
Dr. Surachai also highlighted recent developments in the research and innovation funding structure, including the establishment of the Office of Research and Innovation for Competitiveness and Area-Based Development (Public Organization). This new entity is formed through the merger of three PMUs—the Program Management Unit on Area-Based Development (PMU A), the Program Management Unit for Human Resources & Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMU-B), and the Program Management Unit for National Competitiveness Enhancement (PMUC). The organization will manage research and innovation funding in manufacturing and service industries, future industries, and area-based economic and social development, with an emphasis on collaboration and co-investment with industry, communities, and local administrative organizations to enhance competitiveness, foster new growth engines, and strengthen local development capacity.
Addressing global trends, Dr. Surachai noted key challenges affecting education and learning, including multi-stage life patterns, disruptive technologies, demographic change, educational inequality, and the rapid transition toward a digital society. Citing World Economic Forum (WEF) data, he emphasized that fast-growing occupations are increasingly concentrated in technology-related fields, with critical skills such as AI, big data, and network and cybersecurity in high demand. A NXPO workforce demand survey for 2025–2029 indicates a need for 1,087,548 workers, underscoring the importance of workforce development policies both within and beyond the university system.
Dr. Surachai also presented examples of policy instruments currently implemented by NXPO to support higher education institutions. These include procurement criteria for research, development, and academic services; regulations promoting public–private co-investment in projects utilizing research and innovation outputs; the establishment of University Holding Companies—12 of which are now in operation with a combined registered capital exceeding 500 million THB and investments in more than 100 startups; and the Higher Education Sandbox, which integrates both top-down programs aligned with national priorities (such as semiconductor and advanced electronics workforce development) and bottom-up initiatives allowing universities to propose innovative curricular models. Additional initiatives include the National Credit Bank system and workforce upskilling programs through short, intensive training, such as the GenNX Model.
In addition, NXPO has proposed strategic priorities to the Policy Council for the period 2026–2027, focusing on the development of the semiconductor and advanced electronics industry, biotechnology, area-based and inclusive development, Green SMEs, and the future mobility industry.
Looking ahead, Dr. Surachai highlighted the establishment of the Thailand Foresight Alliance, which aims to apply foresight methodologies to monitor emerging signals, anticipate change, and address national challenges in collaboration with key stakeholders. He also emphasized the development of the Policy and Strategy Framework for 2028–2032, which adopts a mission-oriented innovation policy approach and places strong emphasis on stakeholder engagement.
