Thailand's NARIT Opens Meeting on Personal Incentives to Boost Individual Skill Development for Innovation Economy

Key summary

On October 9, 2026, Professor Dr. Surin Kamfai, Deputy Director of the National Council on Science and Technology Policy (NARIT) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHEST), presided over a brainstorming meeting regarding draft proposals for measures and incentives to promote individual skill development (Personal Incentives). The event took place at Kamolporn Meeting Room, The Sukosol Hotel in Bangkok. Attendees included representatives from government agencies, the private sector, educational institutions, training units, distinguished experts, and research teams. NARIT plays a role in driving human capital development to align with an innovation-based economy and technology, aiming to increase the proportion of high-skill labor and enhance national productivity. The meeting focused on studying measures and incentives that allow citizens to directly and universally access skill development opportunities.

Professor Dr. Surin stated that Thailand is transitioning toward a knowledge-driven, innovation, and technology-led economy. This transition addresses not only industrial and investment challenges but also critical human capital quality issues, as long-term national competitiveness depends on the public's ability to learn, adapt, and develop skills in line with technological changes. Driving the economy toward an 'Intelligent Workforce Economy' is a key approach to increasing productivity and enhancing national competitiveness.

The specific targets include increasing the proportion of Effective High-skill Labor (He) from approximately 15% to 22%, alongside raising Total Factor Productivity (TFP) by 5%. These factors are crucial for boosting Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supporting economic growth. NARIT has continuously collaborated with relevant agencies on human capital development projects, such as the BOI STEM++ project with the Board of Investment (BOI) and the Thailand Skill Bridge project to support skill development aligned with industrial demands.

To further increase opportunities for citizens to access skill development, NARIT is supporting research to design measures and incentives for individual skill development. This involves analyzing industrial skill needs, promoting upskilling and reskilling through lifelong learning systems, and formulating policy proposals that enable workers to access self-development opportunities equitably and universally to support the expansion of the innovation-based economy.

The meeting served as a vital platform for stakeholders from all sectors to provide feedback on the draft proposals. Insights were gathered from government agencies, the private sector, educational institutions, and training units to ensure policy proposals are comprehensive, aligned with stakeholder needs, and practically effective. Professor Dr. Surin emphasized that direct incentive measures supporting individual skill development are a key mechanism to increase learning opportunities for all labor groups, close skill gaps, and prepare the Thai workforce to meet investment demands and technological changes, thereby supporting long-term productivity and national competitiveness.