Memorandum of Understanding signed between UNCTAD and the National Science Technology and Innovation Policy Office of Thailand.
The Deputy Secretary-General of UNCTAD, Mr. Petko Draganov and the Secretary-General of Thailand's National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Office, Dr. Pitchet Durongkaveroj signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 20 March.
The agreement covers an UNCTAD science, technology and innovation policy (STIP) review of Thailand and opens the door for further collaboration to support Thailand's STI policy capacities.
The review, which will be completed in 2014, will include an assessment of the overall effectiveness of the Thai national system of innovation, as well as specific studies regarding human resources development, agriculture -- with a special consideration to issues of renewable energies -- and innovation in logistic services.
 From left: Dr. Pitchet Durongkaveroj and Mr. Petko Draganov |
A team of UNCTAD staff and international consultants will carry out the review with the close involvement of a broad range of STI stakeholders from the Government of Thailand, academic community and the private sector.
In addition to the work on the STIP review, the MoU also includes the possibility for UNCTAD and the National STI Policy Office of Thailand to cooperate on the implementation of capacity-building activities targeting policy-makers in several aspects of STI policies relevant for sustainable development strategies.
UNCTAD STIP reviews provide support to countries in assessing their STI policies and capabilities and identifying key weaknesses, so that remedial measures can be taken and policies adjusted.
The Thai National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Office is an autonomous public agency that operates in compliance with policy guidance from the National Science Technology and Innovation Policy Committee (NSTIC), chaired by the Prime Minister of Thailand.
The office was established to provide support to the Government in STI policy formulation, coordination, and promotion.
The STIP review of Thailand will be one of three STIP reviews of Asian countries that UNCTAD will conduct between 2013 and 2015 with funding from the United Nations Development Account.
