Next Generation Innovators’ Readiness: A Case Study of Sriracha Innovation District Development

Abstract

The establishment of Innovation Districts in Thailand represents a strategic initiative by central public sector entities to cultivate urban areas or districts that can serve as hubs for innovative companies. These entities are investigating various tools and mechanisms that can effectively bolster business growth and enhance the quality of life within these districts. The conceptual framework for this initiative is built on the development of three key assets: networking assets, economic assets, and physical assets. The successful execution of this framework hinges on social collaboration. Consequently, relevant agencies are tasked with conducting comprehensive audits to understand the existing state of these three assets before formulating any development plans for the proposed innovation district. The objective of this research is to study the readiness of the local people who might have the opportunity to become the next generation innovators as an important component of the network assets in the study area. The primary aim of this preliminary study is to gain a deeper understanding of how to enhance the readiness of these future innovators. The readiness factors under consideration include personal attributes, the 4 important characteristics of innovators, demands, and the supportive environment, all of which can contribute to the successful execution of development plans aimed at improving their readiness in the Sriracha Innovation District. This quantitative study utilized a questionnaire for data collection, with participation from 450 local workers and students in the Sriracha District. The data, analyzed using percentage statistics, revealed that the participants were not adequately prepared to contribute to the creation of innovative startups. This finding can be attributed to the fact that most participants, despite being educated and having careers, exhibited behaviors and aspirations that did not align with the typical characteristics of innovators. To address this gap, it is suggested that efforts be made to promote and develop a diverse range of skills among the Next Generation Innovators. These efforts can be tailored to two distinct groups: students and workers. The successful implementation of these skill development initiatives can significantly enhance the prospects of the first pilot project of the innovation district in Thailand.