Industrial research and development capacity building

Thailand faces significant challenges in aligning academic research with industrial needs and fostering robust R&D capabilities within businesses. The Industrial Research and Development Capacity Building (IRDCap) initiative was implemented to address these issues and enhance Thailand's innovation ecosystem. The program employs a dual approach: Train-the-Trainer (TTT) to develop academic expertise, and IRDCap Consulting to provide tailored support to businesses. It utilizes a comprehensive framework for developing R&D blueprints and roadmaps, supported by a central digital platform for monitoring and communication. Over five years, IRDCap trained 489 trainers and engaged 201 companies across various sectors, predominantly in agriculture and food. The program generated a valuation of 241.2 million US dollars, stimulated 28.1 million US dollars in investment, and created over 750 high-value jobs. Case studies demonstrate successful implementation of R&D roadmaps leading to product innovations and market expansion. IRDCap effectively bridges the gap between academic knowledge and industrial application, contributing significantly to Thailand's R&D capacity. The program's success highlights the importance of structured, collaborative approaches in fostering innovation, the effectiveness of the Triple-Helix model in driving economic development, and the need for continued adaptation to dynamic business environments.