Thailand is dealing with three key challenges that have impeded its economic, social, and environmental development:

1. MIDDLE-INCOME TRAP
Thailand’s economy has slowed substantially as a result of the numerous crises it has encountered. Higher costs have made competing by manufacturing low-cost items impossible. Additionally, conventional mechanisms have failed to lift the country out of its middle-income trap.

2. INEQUALITY
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted inequality in Thailand. Low-income households can no longer cover their basic needs. The unemployment rate is at an all-time high. Access to public services and education, as well as income disparity among senior citizens, are among examples of apparent issues this pandemic has unfurled.

3. ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION
Thailand has experienced an exponential increase in the number and scale of industrial plants as a result of imbalanced development with a narrow focus on economic expansion. This growth spurt has brought on problems of pollution and irresponsible exploitation of natural resources. Inevitably, some serious damage has been done to nature and the environment.

The National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) or NIA, as the primary agency responsible for strengthening the national innovation ecosystem, sees innovation as the answer to Thailand’s numerous challenges. We have, therefore, launched a campaign called Innovation Thailand in order to turn the country around through the implementation of its numerous ingenious inventions. We seek to achieve economic success while also addressing inequality and protecting the environment in a balanced manner.