Science Parks Lead the Way

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Science Parks Lead the Way

The Role of Science and Technology Parks in ESG Transformation

Science and technology parks are increasingly recognized as vital catalysts for driving the global shift towards environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. Executives in the sector emphasize the importance of these parks in fostering regional and cross-border cooperation between academia, government, and the private sector to bridge resource gaps and accelerate sustainable impacts.

These parks are encouraged to adopt a global mindset, expanding their focus beyond startups to engage with large corporations. This approach positions them as innovation catalysts, ecosystem builders, and market gateways. According to Sukit Limpijumnong, president of Thailand's National Science and Technology Development Agency, science and technology parks are powerful catalysts for corporate and societal transformation.

The Asian Science Park Association (ASPA) plays a key role in driving innovation, promoting sustainability, and supporting cooperation. Its mission is to create meaningful impact through these efforts. Mr. Sukit highlighted that ASPA aims to strengthen regional cooperation by fostering stronger ties among regional science parks, research institutions, government agencies, and the private sector.

Confidence and Humility in Innovation

Julian Taylor, managing director of Innovation and Industry Engagement at the University of Strathclyde, emphasized the need for confidence and humility in driving innovation through ESG. He noted that while confidence is essential to deliver on the mission, humility is equally important to learn from others.

Collaboration and shared learning can lead to the establishment of innovative ecosystems. For instance, a young spin-off from the University of Strathclyde seeking to enter the Chinese market can leverage science park initiatives for support.

Peter Mok, general manager of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneur Hub (Ehub), stressed the importance of expanding the focus of incubators to include corporate innovation. Corporations, despite their significant resources, often lack the agility to launch numerous research projects, making collaboration crucial for accelerating economic growth and resilience.

ESG Journey and Regional Impact

Pimporn Chewananth, minister secretary in the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), highlighted the role of science and technology parks in facilitating corporates on their ESG journey. She emphasized that ESG is no longer optional but a necessary transition for corporations worldwide.

Science parks connect government visions, academic expertise, and private sector innovation to turn sustainable ideas into real, scalable impact. Over the past two decades, Thailand has established a nationwide network of regional science parks, each shaped by local strengths but united in their mission to expand access to research, technology, and innovation for sustainable business growth.

Thailand’s science parks play five critical roles: as an innovation catalyst, ecosystem builder, facilitator of collaboration, capacity developer, and market gateway. Ms. Pimporn noted that the connectivity of Thailand’s network allows breakthroughs in one region to benefit all others quickly.

Thriving Under Pressure

Watcharin Witthayaweerasak, director of the Thai Business Incubators and Science Parks Association (Thai-BISPA), emphasized the need for startups to adapt and thrive under pressure. Access to capital, technology adoption, market access, and overcoming legal and regulatory hurdles are essential for success.

Thai-BISPA supports over 80 incubators and accelerators nationwide, fostering innovation through 17 regional science parks (RSPs). These RSPs typically adopt a university-affiliated model, leveraging extensive university resources such as research findings, academic personnel, facilities, and laboratories.

Case Studies in Sustainable Innovation

Thai-BISPA supports startups innovating within Thailand’s bio-, circular, and green economic framework. One example is bio-circuit wastewater treatment, which uses a bio-catalyst microbial fuel cell and reactor to manage industrial wastewater pollution effectively.

Another innovation is RODDA climate-smart cattle feed, developed using cocoa extract to reduce methane emissions and increase cattle growth rates. The feed also reduces costs for farmers.

Ricult, a digital financial solution and farm analytics platform, provides weather forecasts, satellite data, and expert advice to improve productivity and profit for farmers in Thailand and Pakistan. It uses AI and machine learning models to optimize operations and democratize lending for smallholder farmers.

Green Skills for the Future

Wongkot Wongsapai, vice-president of the Office of the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council, highlighted the growing demand for green skills. A LinkedIn Economy Graph shows a 11.6% rise in global demand for personnel with green skills between 2023 and 2024, outpacing the 5.6% growth in supply.

Sittha Sukkasi, a researcher at the National Metal and Materials Technology Center, outlined the skills required for the green economy, including critical thinking, creativity, environmental awareness, lifelong learning, and communication. Cross-sectoral and sector-specific skills, along with critical skills for short-term greenhouse gas reduction, are also essential.



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