Roles of Academic Association and Research and Innovation Ecosystem of Nation

Abstract

This Academic article to study the role of research affects the development of a competitiveness of nation by enhancing technological advancement and innovation, which leads to economic and social growth, as well as national security. The research and innovation ecosystem involves research funders, researchers, and universities, which have interdependent relationships at both local and global levels. Stakeholders in research include the government, academics, and the industrial sector, which play mutually supportive roles. Researchers can be categorized based on their formal or informal status and whether they are within or outside the system into four types: active researchers, passive researchers, retired researchers, and raw researchers. The research and innovation structure in Thailand consists of policy levels, policy driving levels, management and funding levels, operational levels, and beneficiary levels. However, it lacks the role of academic associations that connect scholars, researchers, and experts in specific fields or disciplines. The importance of academic associations lies in promoting research and scholarly activities, developing the professional skills of members, fostering networks and collaboration, providing guidance and representation, disseminating knowledge, and establishing standards and accreditation. These academic associations should participate in the research and innovation ecosystem because they are non-profit organizations that can operate flexibly. They serve as a gathering point for scholars across institutional boundaries, provide a platform for retired researchers to remain active, and can create a research value chain. It is recommended to establish the Thailand Researcher Council as an agency focused on researchers to develop researchers and increase their numbers. Researchers who meet the professional standards set by the Thailand Professional Qualification Institute (Public Organization) should have special privileges in applying for grants through expedited consideration. Additionally, a network of academic associations should be established, with the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) serving as the central hub for this network.