Research and Development forms an integral part of NSTDA’s work. NSTDA research and development strategy is formulated such that the country’s needs are well addressed and efficiently managed to achieve the outcomes of practical benefit to the economy and society and to serve the nation’s long-term development.
Under Thailand 4.0 agenda, the Thai Government has set goal to utilize science, technology and innovation (STI) to drive the country with the following concepts:
Bioeconomy: Based on the strength in rich bioresources, STI is employed to fully utilize bioresources in major sectors including food, healthcare, energy and agriculture, as well as to guide the country to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs)
Circular Economy: STI can provide solutions to extract the maximum value from raw material input and minimize waste and emissions in the manufacturing processes.
Green Economy: STI is exploited to achieve sustainable development without damaging the environment.
Silver Economy: STI is used to advocate policy and develop technologies and products to support aging society.
Intelligent Economy: STI is employed to facilitate digital economy, smart factory and smart society.
Sharing Economy: STI has potential to develop and facilitate platforms for the new economic model that focuses on sharing of underutilized assets to improve efficiency, sustainability and community.
To achieve the above goal, NSTDA devices the research strategy to set the framework for NSTDA research units and collaboration with strategic partners from both public and private sectors locally and internationally. The research strategy consists of 5 Research Pillars, 6 areas of Frontier Research and 10 Technology Development Groups (TDGs).
NSTDA conducts scientific research through its five national research centers. These five research centers are:
- National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC)
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC)
- National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC)
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC)
- National Energy Technology Center (ENTEC)
Additionally, six centers were established as Science and Technology Infrastructure Services (STIS). STIS consists of Electrical and Electronic Product Testing Center (PTEC), NSTDA Characterization and Testing Service Center (NSTC), Industrial Ceramic and Houseware Product Testing Center (CTEC), Toxicology and Bio Evaluation Service Center (TBES), NSTDA Fabrication and Engineering Service Division (NFED) and Thai Microeectronics Center (TMEC)