Bangkok: The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) recently unveiled the NSTIS and STARS Open Sci Connect Platform, a new initiative designed to streamline the accessibility of science, technology, and innovation (STI) resources through a national central platform.
According to Thai News Agency, the Office of the Permanent Secretary, MHESI, in collaboration with the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), and with support from the Thailand RISE Fund, organized the launch event for the NSTIS and STARS Open Sci Connect Platform. The event aimed to foster collaboration among government entities, academia, and the private sector, thus propelling the country's innovation-driven economy. Mr. Nikom Panyathaveekitpaisan, Director of the Strategy and Planning Division and Acting Advisor on Strategy and Planning for MHESI, led the opening ceremony, while Dr. Wattanachak Poomviset, Director of the Science Park Group, presented the report. The event drew participation from various stakeholders, including government executives, private sector representatives, educational institutions, and partners from NSTIS and STARS networks nationwide.
Mr. Panyathaveekitpaisan emphasized that in the era of a knowledge-based economy, it is essential to connect science, research, and innovation resources to ensure comprehensive accessibility and utilization. He highlighted the Open Science Infrastructure concept as a key strategy to drive the nation towards an innovation society, enhancing resource efficiency, and supporting informed policy decisions.
Professor Dr. Komkrit Leksakul, Deputy Director of NSTDA, noted that the NSTIS and STARS systems are vital for making research and development infrastructure more accessible and efficient for research institutions and the private sector. He pointed out that these systems have already supported more than 30 startups, underscoring the economic impact of R and D infrastructure in fostering technological advancements and building Deep-Tech Startups.
Dr. Wattanachak Poomviset, Director of the Science, Research and Innovation Policy and Planning Office (SRIPO), added that the initiative aims to advance the nation's science, research, and innovation infrastructure by centralizing resources such as scientific instruments and laboratories. This effort facilitates swift and efficient access to resources, ultimately advancing knowledge, technology, and innovations that meet the country's developmental objectives.
The event also featured a panel discussion on "Open Science Infrastructure: Connecting and Utilizing the National Science, Research and Innovation Infrastructure to Accelerate Innovation and Competitiveness," where experts exchanged insights on leveraging STI infrastructure to enhance national competitiveness. Additionally, practical workshops provided training on using the Science and Technology Appropriation Request System (STARS) and the National Science and Technology Information System (NSTIS).
The integration of NSTIS and STARS systems has yielded significant economic and social benefits, generating over 5.5 billion baht in impact, with STI infrastructure investments surpassing 2.26 billion baht. This initiative has stimulated private sector R and D investments, boosted the value of innovative products, and continuously supported the growth of Deep-Tech startups, reinforcing Thailand's trajectory towards a sustainable innovation-driven economy.