Reforming Thailand’s innovation system for net zero and economic growth

This paper provides practical policy guidance to accelerate Thailand’s transition to net zero greenhouse gas emissions, both across the economy and in three key sectors: power, agriculture and road transport. It argues that Thailand’s dual ambition of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 while advancing from a middle-income to a high-income economy is attainable. Realising this ambition, however, will require a comprehensive transformation of the country’s science, technology and innovation (STI) governance and policy framework. The paper finds that the STI system must play a more central role in supporting the transition, through stronger alignment and co-ordination with sectoral policies. Drawing on extensive engagement with Thai authorities and stakeholders, the paper identifies the key enablers and barriers shaping Thailand’s dual transition and proposes a set of governance and policy reforms to strengthen and mobilise the national STI system in support of both the country’s net zero objectives and its long-term economic development goals.