Strategy and Technology Policy Management Projects
Achievements in Strategic and Policy-Oriented Technology Management
Project: Development of a Strategy to Enhance Thai Industry’s Potential with Manufacturing Automation Systems
In 2015, the Office of Industrial Economics, Ministry of Industry, recognized the urgent need to accelerate the “Project for Developing a Strategy to Enhance Thai Industry’s Potential with Manufacturing Automation Systems.” This initiative aimed to support the transformation of production processes in the industrial sector, which predominantly relied on conventional machinery. The goal was to transition to electronically or computer-controlled machinery to achieve faster, more accurate, and highly automated production processes.
This strategic shift sought to:
– Reduce production costs, particularly those stemming from minimum wage increases.
– Boost industrial potential and production efficiency.
– Ensure product quality that meets customer acceptance.
– Enhance global competitiveness.
The Institute of Field Robotics (FIBO) was appointed as a consultant to execute this project. The project’s objectives included:
– Studying the current situation and future trends in industrial development and manufacturing technology.
– Analyzing the demand for Manufacturing Automation Systems across the entire industrial sector and within key industrial sub-sectors in Thailand.
– Identifying challenges and obstacles currently hindering the enhancement of Thai industry’s competitive potential through manufacturing automation.
– Defining strategic guidelines for increasing the potential of Thai industry using Manufacturing Automation Systems, both at a national level and for key industrial sub-sectors. These guidelines were to align with the needs of the industrial sector and the development direction of Thailand’s key industries over the next five years (2015-2019).
Project: Development of the National Health Security Office (NHSO) Information Master Plan, 4th Edition
The National Health Security Office (NHSO), with its crucial mission of managing the healthcare service system, heavily relies on information technology for its operations. Therefore, defining the direction of its information technology initiatives to effectively support NHSO’s mission is paramount.
The Institute of Field Robotics (FIBO) was commissioned to develop the NHSO Information and Communication Master Plan, 4th Edition. This involved conducting surveys and comparative analyses, studying existing best practices in information systems that cover various steps and methods within healthcare insurance systems.
The aim was to provide the NHSO with clear guidelines for future improvements to its information systems. This would enable the NHSO to rationally plan the adoption of information technology and lead to the development of an information and communication technology system that directly aligns with NHSO’s objectives, taking into account current computer systems while also looking towards the future in line with NHSO’s vision and mission.
The 4th Edition of the NHSO Information and Communication Master Plan specifically focused on reducing unnecessary steps and creating automated information systems. This was intended to lessen the workload on personnel and accelerate the fulfillment of NHSO’s mission, aligning with the vision outlined in NHSO’s National Health Security System Development Strategic Plan for 2012-2016.
Consulting Project: Study on Manpower and Technology Requirements in Robotics and Automation
Recognizing the significant role of robotics and automation in both enhancing industrial production capabilities and improving human quality of life—to the extent that this field is poised to transform the world in the near future—many nations have begun to formulate robotics strategies to prepare for global competition. A fundamental aspect of this preparation is ensuring the availability of necessary manpower and technology in robotics and automation to meet future demands and development.
With this understanding, the Office of National Science Technology and Innovation Policy (STI) commissioned the Institute of Field Robotics (FIBO) to conduct a comprehensive study on Thailand’s manpower and technology requirements in robotics and automation.
The project aimed to:
Survey the genuine demand for robotics and automation personnel that truly meets the country’s needs, especially within the manufacturing and service sectors.
Identify key technologies essential for the development of robotics and automation in Thailand’s industrial and academic sectors, aiming to enhance their potential.
This study was crucial for preparing and developing skilled personnel in robotics and automation, as well as for ensuring that the knowledge and technology in this field align with Thailand’s current status and future development trends.
Thai Robotics Strategy Study Project
The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), recognizing the critical importance of building foundational knowledge in robotics and automation to drive national innovation and foster the growth of related industries, commissioned a significant project.
NSTDA assigned two of its agencies, the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC) and the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), to coordinate and initiate the “Thai Robotics Strategy Study Project.” Subsequently, FIBO (Institute of Field Robotics) was selected and appointed as the project’s expert, responsible for:
1. Studying the current status and future trends of robotics and automation across various domains.
2. Defining the direction, goals, strategies, and activities for Thailand’s robotics and automation sector over a 1-5 year timeframe.
3. Assessing the estimated economic value to be gained from the proposed strategies and action plans.
This project was crucial for laying the groundwork for Thailand’s future competitiveness and strength in the rapidly advancing field of robotics.
Technical Training for Automated Production Processes to Prepare for the ASEAN Community
The Center for Advanced Technology in Manufacturing (@M), operating under the Institute of Field Robotics (FIBO), recognized the crucial need to prepare Thai industries for the ASEAN Community in 2015. This involved enhancing the capabilities of industrial personnel.
To achieve this, @M initiated a technical training project focused on automated production processes. The program was designed to provide valuable theoretical and practical knowledge from highly experienced experts, a key step in developing a skilled workforce for the industry.
The curriculum for this training was based on a survey of technical topics that industries identified as high-interest and requiring further education. These core topics included:
Machine Vision Systems
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for mechanical part modeling
Microcontroller usage in production control systems
Study on Guidelines for Developing Thailand’s Creative Printing Industry Towards an ASEAN Production Base
The Institute of Field Robotics (FIBO), in collaboration with the Office of Industrial Economics, Ministry of Industry, was tasked with a project to study the development guidelines for Thailand’s creative printing industry.
The core of this project involved establishing a Conceptual Framework to define the scope and meaning of the creative economy specifically for the printing sector. This framework then facilitated an in-depth analysis of the current situation. The strategic aspects of this analysis included:
Data collection for Value Chain Analysis or SWOT Analysis to identify key issues affecting creative competitiveness.
Comparative analysis with international “best practice” examples.
Gap Analysis to pinpoint areas where the Thai industry needed to improve.
Positioning Thailand’s creative printing industry within the broader creative economy.
The insights gained from these analyses were then used to formulate strategic plans and actionable guidelines, aiming to drive the development of Thailand’s printing industry and establish it as a strong production hub within the ASEAN region.
Project: Development of a Strategy for the Food Packaging Industry
The Office of Industrial Economics, acting as a guiding force in industrial development, identified the crucial need to establish a strategy for the food packaging industry. This initiative aimed to create clear policy guidelines for the sector’s development in Thailand.
Such a strategy would allow relevant government and private sectors to align their production plans and define policies for promoting and developing the food packaging industry in a coordinated manner. It also sought to support investment and enhance the export capabilities of Thailand’s food industry.
Consequently, the Institute of Field Robotics (FIBO) was commissioned to lead this project: to develop a strategy that would ensure the food packaging industry achieves rapid and sustainable growth. This study benefited from valuable data and insights contributed by a wide range of stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, various institutions and associations, executives, and academics from both public and private sectors.
Project: Development of a Strategy for the Printing Industry
The Office of Industrial Economics, acting as a guiding and warning body for industrial development, recognized the critical need to create a strategy for the development of the printing industry. This was also a direct request from the private sector within the paper and printing industry.
To provide clear guidelines for government agencies and relevant organizations in setting policies and roles for promoting and developing Thailand’s printing industry, allowing it to adapt to changing economic and social environments, the Institute of Field Robotics (FIBO) was commissioned.
FIBO’s task was to undertake the “Project for the Development of a Strategy for the Printing Industry.” The objective was to define a strategy that would ensure the printing industry achieves rapid and sustainable growth. The study involved valuable data contribution and input gathering from various stakeholders, including the Federation of Thai Printing Industries, entrepreneurs, executives, and academics from both public and private sectors.
Pilot Research Project: Integrating Tablet Computers for Mathayom 1 Education
The Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), under the Ministry of Education, entrusted the Institute of Field Robotics (FIBO) at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) to lead a pilot project. This initiative focused on applying and integrating tablet computers into teaching and learning for Mathayom 1 (7th grade) students.
The project’s main goal was to establish clear guidelines for future educational development. These guidelines would outline how to effectively utilize tablet computers and related technologies to enhance learning potential for Mathayom 1 students, starting from the 2013 academic year.
Four schools under OBEC participated as pilot institutions:
Samsenwittayalai School
Wat Rajathiwat School
Taweethapisek School
Horwang School
This project aimed to pave the way for more technologically integrated and effective learning environments in Thai secondary education.
Project: Study to Develop a Model for Promoting Industrial Innovation
The Institute of Field Robotics (FIBO) took on a research project to create a model for effectively implementing innovation within industry. This involved developing a framework for applying various innovations in industrial settings.
For this project, FIBO focused on the canned pineapple production industry as its target. The study introduced four key innovations:
1. Automated Pineapple Processing Machine: This machine can automatically sort, cut off the top and bottom, core, and peel pineapples.
2. Automated Pineapple Color Sorter: A system designed to automatically sort pineapples based on their color.
3. Computerized Production Process Control: Implementing computer systems to control various stages of production, such as sterilization retorts.
4. Resource Loss Reduction: Strategies and technologies aimed at minimizing the waste of valuable resources like water and pineapple flesh during processing.
This project aimed to provide a replicable model for how industries can successfully adopt and integrate new innovations to boost efficiency and sustainability.
Project: Study on Mechanisms to Promote and Develop Entrepreneurs for the Hard Disk Drive Industry
A study of Thailand’s Hard Disk Drive (HDD) industry, conducted by the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC) in fiscal year 2005, revealed a significant challenge: nearly all HDD component manufacturing facilities in Thailand were foreign-invested. There was also a notable shortage of domestic upstream entrepreneurs within the country.
At the time, the Thai government lacked a clear strategic and master plan to develop these crucial local entrepreneurs. Simultaneously, competitor countries were continuously advancing their technology and production processes, and their governments offered attractive incentives. This situation put pressure on Thai entrepreneurs to enhance their production capabilities to remain competitive.
Consequently, it became imperative for the Thai government to promote and develop the domestic industrial supply chain. This was seen as a vital step to reduce the risk of HDD manufacturers relocating their production bases and to foster a more resilient local industry. This project aimed to study and propose mechanisms to achieve these critical objectives.
Project: Enhancing the Competitiveness of the Fashion Business in the Footwear and Supporting Raw Materials Industry
The Institute of Field Robotics (FIBO), in collaboration with the Research & Design Service Center (REDEK) and the Graduate School of Management and Innovation (GMI) at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, undertook a project to enhance the competitiveness of the fashion business. This initiative, supported by the Bangkok Fashion City Project Office, Ministry of Industry, specifically focused on the footwear and supporting raw materials industry.
The project’s operational model involved providing foundational knowledge training and consulting services to strengthen the competitive potential of 120 participating enterprises. The comprehensive consulting program consisted of three distinct modules:
1. Brand Building and Development: This program focused on establishing new brands and developing existing ones to achieve market acceptance both domestically and internationally.
2. Product Design and Style Development: This module aimed at creating modern and market-acceptable product designs and styles.
3. Raw Material and Accessory Development: This program concentrated on improving the quality and design of raw materials and decorative accessories to meet the demands of the footwear industry and add value to existing materials.
Manufacturing Development for Increased Competitiveness Project (MDICP) – Batch 13
The Manufacturing Development for Increased Competitiveness Project (MDICP), now in its 13th iteration, aims to empower the industrial sector. Its goals include:
Promoting technological awareness and development to boost competitiveness.
Enhancing the knowledge of industrial business executives in technology planning and management.
Fostering initiative among company personnel in solving technological problems.
Enabling participating small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to analyze their technology needs and formulate technology strategies, thereby improving their technological performance across various aspects.
The Institute of Field Robotics (FIBO) has played a pivotal role in this project for nine consecutive years, from MDICP Batch 5 through Batch 13. FIBO has consistently provided expert consulting services focused on capacity building and technology transformation leading to innovation for various enterprises. Their contributions have earned widespread recognition and continuous trust from businesses seeking to enhance their competitive edge.