The Science and Technology Service Centre, Chiang Mai University (STSC-CMU) hosted a project to drive the economy and creative innovation, ‘Learn from the Past, Adapt to the Present and Create Values for the Future’. CMU President, Clinical Prof. Niwes Nantachit, M.D., chaired the opening ceremony. Dr. Manoch Naksata, Director of STSC-CMU, reported the project’s details and Mr. Arkom Supangphao, Chair of the Northern Region’s SME Association, gave a welcoming speech. Also in attendance were CMU administrators, teaching staff, researchers from the Faculty of Science, SME and start-up entrepreneurs, the Young SMEs + Farmers Group and representatives from local enterprises, agricultural co-ops, governmental agencies and financial institutions. The event was held on January 19, 2022, in the Atom Space, SCB2, Faculty of Science, CMU.
The objective was to increase efficiency in the provision of scientific services to SME entrepreneurs so that they can improve the quality of the production system using the technology, thus elevating product quality and competitiveness on the global stage.
There were many activities during the event, including the MOU signing between STSC-CMU and the Thai SME Association, Chiang Mai; business matching between researchers and SME entrepreneurs; and talks about the Faculty of Science’s vision regarding the industrialization of scientific research by the dean as well as the strategies to drive the economy and creative innovation by the chairman of the Thai SME Association, Chiang Mai. Moreover, a variety of sectors set up booths and exhibitions to showcase their products, services and innovations, including the herb and cosmetics industry; the garment and fashion industry, the software, innovation and green energy industry; researchers from the Faculty of Science; SMEs and start-ups; and financial institutions and backers.
It is expected that this event will promote the growth of local SMEs, commercialization of highly potential research and the circular economy, as well as a mechanism that enhances collaboration to support SMEs systematically. This will allow SMEs to access innovation and digital technology, increasing the value of local products.