Reporters: Asst.Prof.Dr.Arrisa Sopajarn,Asst.Prof.Chaiya Thanaphatsiri, Asst.Prof.Supitchaya Boonkuer, Naruemon Saengduangkhae, Piriya Soikaew
Evidence Date: On 28 October 2024
Related SDGs:
Related Indicators: 16.2.4
Details: Supporting details and pictures
On 28 October 2024, the network of nine Rajamangala University of Technology (RMUT) institutions—Bangkok, Eastern, Thanyaburi, Phra Nakhon, Rattanakosin, Lanna, Srivijaya, Suvarnabhumi, and Isan—signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Area-Based Development Fund Administration and Management Unit at the Sukosol Hotel, Bangkok.
The MOU focuses on advancing ready-to-use innovation and appropriate technology to strengthen regional development and aligns with Thailand’s National Science, Research and Innovation Plan (2023–2027), Strategy 2: “Elevating Society and the Environment toward Sustainable Development.”
It aims to mobilize science and innovation to solve complex social challenges and promote community resilience and social mobility.
The agreement designates RMUT institutions as the key drivers for translating research outputs into a Learning and Innovation Platform (LIP) enabling local communities to adopt and adapt technologies for their own sustainable growth.
The cooperation targets rural poor, small-scale farmers, occupational groups, and local entrepreneurs — enhancing grassroots economic capacity through knowledge transfer, technology deployment, and commercialization of appropriate technologies.
The MOU, effective for three years, commits both parties to collaborate in five major areas:
- Promoting the use of ready-to-use technologies under licensing agreements for public and commercial benefits.
- Strengthening grassroots economies via knowledge transfer and innovation to disadvantaged groups and SMEs.
- Scaling up research outputs to increase local economic value and reduce household debt.
- Building community business networks through the Social Integrated Enterprise (SIE) model and developing a Social Innovation Management Platform (RinMP).
- Organizing Appropriate Technology Matching activities to connect technology supply with local demands and support the creation of university business units for commercial investment in appropriate technology.
Key Signatories
- Dr. Kitti Sajjawatan – Director, BFK
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Udomwit Chaisakulkiet – President, RMUT Rattanakosin
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khosit Sriphuthon – President, RMUT Isan
- Prof. Dr. Suwat Thanyaros – President, RMUT Srivijaya
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pramuk Unhalegka – President, RMUT Suvarnabhumi
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sommai Piwsa-ard – Acting President, RMUT Thanyaburi
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Uthen Kamnan – Acting President, RMUT Lanna
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pichai Chanmanee – President, RMUT Bangkok
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ruangchai Fuprateepsiri – President, RMUT Eastern
- Asst. Prof. Dr. Parin Boonkanit – Vice President, RMUT Phra Nakhon, representing Dr. Natthawornpol Ratchasirivajraboon, President, RMUT Phra Nakhon
Impact
- Strengthened national innovation ecosystem connecting universities, government, private sector, and local communities.
Enhanced grassroots economic resilience and community self-reliance through appropriate technology. - Contributed to Thailand’s National Science, Research, and Innovation Plan 2023–2027, Strategy 2 – “Sustainable Society and Environment.”
- Reinforced RMUTSV’s role as a regional hub for sustainable innovation and poverty alleviation.
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