Govt to back more researches under Creative Economy Policy

BANGKOK, 18 October 2009 (NNT) – The government will provide more support to research development by pushing for the establishment of 10 research universities, according to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

The prime minister stressed that the government gives priority to the Creative Economy policy, especially in terms of researches that will add economic values to products and local wisdoms for use in sustainable development of a knowledge-based society. The government has also planned to increase the ratio of research works to the gross national product.

According to the prime minister, 12 billion baht budget under the Strong Thailand scheme will be utilized for this purpose. 9 billion baht will be used to establish 10 research universities across the country while another 3 billion baht will be used to enhance potentials of the existing universities. He also assured the attempt of the government to improve the system that is conducive to research creation.

The Creative Economy policy of the current government aims at adding value to locally made products and services, instead of relying solely on productivity and exports. This strategy has been practiced by many countries worldwide, and recently introduced to Thailand by the Abhisit Government.