NSTDA seeks to broaden its research

Goal to maximise national impact

- SUCHIT LEESA-NGUANSUK

The Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) minister has tasked the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) to drive progress in two key areas, including the development of modern technology in line with megatrends and the nurturing of artificial intelligence (AI) talent to serve the National AI strategy.

The NSTDA will transform research direction to broaden the impact for government, industrial and social sectors rather than focusing on new discovery and research excellence.

The NSTDA has a budget of 5.19 billion baht for the 2026 fiscal year, up 3% from the previous year.

MHESI Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol said she had instructed the NSTDA to focus on the development of science, research and innovation — ranging from the advancement of modern agriculture, disaster prevention and mitigation, the creation of low-carbon industries that increase domestic component usage, to the development of liveable cities through digital and AI technologies.

Further, the agency will have to focus on nurturing talent at all levels and taking the lead in driving the framework for national AI development.