Terry KS Thailand has introduced the Thailand RISE Fund, a revamped national research funding initiative designed to transform academic research into tangible economic and societal outcomes. The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration among universities, government, and industry to accelerate innovation and national competitiveness.
THAILAND, 6 MARCH 2026 – Thailand has entered a new phase in its national research and innovation strategy with the launch of the Thailand RISE Fund, a rebranded national funding initiative designed to accelerate the transition of academic research into real-world economic and social impact.
The initiative was highlighted during the second Thailand RISE Fund Forum: RISE UP THAILAND, held at Mae Fah Luang University (MFU) on 23 February 2026. Organised in collaboration with Chulalongkorn University, the forum brought together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and innovation stakeholders to explore strategies for strengthening Thailand’s position in the global innovation economy.
The event also served as a regional platform to connect research communities, the creative economy, and investment opportunities across the country.
Thailand’s research output has grown significantly over the past decade. However, national leaders say the country’s next challenge is ensuring that academic research delivers meaningful impact beyond universities and laboratories.
Professor Dr Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, said knowledge creation alone is not enough to drive national development.
He noted that real progress comes when knowledge is transformed into a coordinated system linking public policy, research, innovation, and industry. Universities, he added, must play a strategic role in translating research into real-world applications that generate measurable economic and social benefits while strengthening the country’s long-term competitiveness.
National research leaders also highlighted the need for stronger coordination across Thailand’s science and innovation ecosystem.
Professor Dr Sompong Klaynongsruang, President of Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), stressed that collaboration across sectors is critical to the country’s innovation agenda. She explained that Thailand’s science, research, and innovation system must be driven systematically, from strategic policy direction and targeted funding to the practical deployment of research outcomes in the economy and society.
According to her, cooperation between universities, government agencies, and private sector organisations will be essential to ensuring research leads to tangible national transformation.
The transition to the Thailand RISE Fund signals more than a simple rebranding. It represents a shift in how the country approaches research funding and innovation development.
Asst. Professor Dr Ake Pattaratanakun, Chairman of the Thailand RISE Fund Strategic Communications Subcommittee, said Thailand has already made significant progress in increasing research output. However, the national focus is now shifting toward ensuring that research generates economic and social value.
He explained that the RISE Fund is designed to act as a systemic intermediary, bridging the gap between academic research and industry needs while prioritising measurable impact rather than publication volume.
The initiative operates under a strategic framework built around four pillars: Research, Innovation, Science Excellence, and Ecosystem. The ecosystem pillar in particular emphasises collaboration among universities, businesses, government agencies, and local communities to support the growth of a comprehensive national innovation economy.
Beyond national-level initiatives, the Thailand RISE Fund is also expanding engagement across regions to encourage broader participation in the innovation system. Regional forums and outreach programmes are being introduced to help researchers and entrepreneurs develop collaborative projects aligned with local economic strengths.
This approach reflects a shift from a centralised funding model toward a more inclusive and distributed innovation ecosystem.
Through this initiative, Thailand aims to redefine the role of research in national development by focusing on measurable impact and long-term value creation.