National Innovation Agency (NIA)

The National Innovation Agency was established by Ministry of Science and Technology(MOST) on 1 st October 2003, following the Cabinet resolution on 26 th August 2003. It is an autonomous organization operating under the policy guidance of the National Innovation Board, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of MOST. This special organization outside the normal framework of state enterprise and civil service enable the NIA to take a board-based, systematic approach towards enhancing the entire innovation system of Thailand in support of national economic and social development.
The establishment of the National Innovation Agency is considered an important “innovation” by Ministry of Science and Technology in changing the administrative course of the Innovation Development Fund ( previously under the direction of the National Science and Technology Development Agency) and the Revolving fund for Research and Technology Development (previously under the direction of the Office of the Permanent Secretary of MOST). Because of their similar missions, the two funds were combined to create a nationally recognized agency to undertake and support innovation development, in both the ways of improvement and initiation, in order to encourage economics restructuring and increase national competitiveness, especially in strategic innovation which affects the productivity of the Nation.
The National Innovation Agency functions as a central unit in coordinating, networking and partnering different organizations from various fields such as education, technology, finance, manufacturing and management. Support can be in the form of technical advice, finance or investment but mainly focuses on utilizing knowledge management to achieve innovation, particularly to induce “Innovation on Cluster Platform” which uses innovation as the principal tool in improving the quality of life and as a driving force for competitive economics.
 

The course direction of the National Innovation Agency will follow that of the Innovation Agency will follow that of the Innovation Development Fund, with three main objectives:
1. To induce innovations in the economics units.
2. To create a supportive atmosphere for innovation culture.
3. To strengthen organizations in innovation direction.
During the first period, the Agency will focus on developing strategic innovation projects in five branches: food and herbs, indigenous rubber and products, software and mechatronics, automotives and parts, and engineering and industrial designs. Such undertakings will integrate innovation into the strategic industry with a short term goal to generate a change in the manufacturing structure that will affect the economy and society in a swift and efficient manner. The long term goal is to bring Thailand to a knowledge-based economy and society in the end.
 

The NIA's Operational Framework
1.Increase technology and innovation capability, especially in strategic industry by analyzing and accessing the conditions of the industry and the innovation, potential, including discovering and improving strategic innovation, both in and out of the country.
2.Effectively networking private organizations by giving technical advice and financial support and also partnering up in carrying out policies to prompt the creation of the National Innovation System.
3.Technically and financially support a project after research and development, or bring the research or creation into the commercial market.
4.Support the advancing of technical and managerial ability by providing experts, holding seminars and encouraging enthusiasm.
5.Support innovation and technology awareness to create innovation culture in all levels such as in the industry, organizations and public sector.