Bangkok: The Thailand Research Fund (TRF) is set to enhance the country's grassroots economy through its innovative "THE 3Ea" initiative, focusing on the development of Local Enterprises (LEs).
According to Thai News Agency, the TRF, in collaboration with the Area-based Innovation for Local-economy Growth Engine (AIEMA) and the Community Economic Support Institute Foundation, organized the LEs EXPO 2026. The event highlighted the initiative's formula as a key driver for empowering community businesses and fostering sustainable economic growth at the grassroots level.
Professor Dr. Yotsanun Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, emphasized the significant role of the grassroots economy, which contributes 45% to Thailand's GDP. The Ministry aims to integrate university knowledge with research and innovation to create opportunities for community businesses to become local growth engines, promoting a self-reliant economy.
The LE research framework's success is attributed to its unique approach, involving community economic researchers from 51 universities and over 21,700 community businesses. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bundit Innawong, Director of the Local Enterprises Research Framework, reported that the initiative has generated substantial income and employment while utilizing local raw materials. The 3Ea initiative, comprising an operating growth framework, key operating factors, and co-collaborating design, aims to expand the network to 47,000 local businesses by 2027.
Dr. Kitti Sajjawatana, Director of the Area-Based Development Capital Management Unit, highlighted the importance of developing community businesses to align with modern market demands. The initiative seeks to empower entrepreneurs and reduce social inequality, in line with Thailand's 20-year national strategy. The framework focuses on enhancing local resources, employment, wisdom, community business, and network, aiming to create a circular economy within communities for sustainable growth.
The event underscored the potential of Local Enterprises as a mechanism for economic stability, emphasizing the need for systematic business management to compete in innovation-driven markets. The TRF's 3Ea initiative is poised to transform traditional community-based jobs into dynamic businesses, contributing to Thailand's overall economic development.