Science and Technology Parks as Catalysts for ESG Transformation
Science and technology parks play a pivotal role in driving the global shift towards environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. According to executives in the field, these parks should focus on fostering regional and cross-border cooperation between academia, government, and the private sector. This collaboration aims to bridge resource gaps and accelerate sustainable impacts. By adopting a global mindset, science parks can expand their focus beyond startups and actively engage with large corporations, acting as innovation catalysts, ecosystem builders, and market gateways.
Sukit Limpijumnong, president of Thailand’s National Science and Technology Development Agency, emphasized this during the 28th Asian Science Park Association (ASPA) Annual Conference 2025. He stated that science and technology parks are powerful catalysts for corporate and societal transformation. The ASPA’s mission is to drive innovation, promote sustainability, and support cooperation, creating a meaningful impact. Mr. Limpijumnong highlighted the importance of strengthening regional cooperation by fostering stronger ties among science parks, research institutions, government agencies, and the private sector.
Confidence and Humility in Innovation
Julian Taylor, managing director of Innovation and Industry Engagement at the University of Strathclyde, stressed the need for confidence and humility when driving innovation through ESG. “We must not be swayed by popular challenges. Instead, we need the confidence to deliver, but perhaps also the humility to learn,” he said. Collaboration and learning together can establish a model of innovation ecosystems working in harmony.
For instance, a young spin-off from the University of Strathclyde seeking to enter the Chinese market can do so through science park initiatives. Peter Mok, general manager of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneur Hub (Ehub), emphasized the need to expand the focus of incubators like Ehub. While promoting entrepreneurship is crucial, they must also dedicate more resources to corporate innovation. Corporations, as major employers, often lack the capacity to launch many different research projects compared to agile startups.
ESG Journey and Thailand’s Model
Pimporn Chewananth, minister secretary in the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), highlighted the role of science and technology parks in facilitating corporates on their ESG journey. She noted that ESG is no longer optional, and science parks have become key drivers of this transformation. These parks connect government visions, academic expertise, and private sector innovation to turn sustainable ideas into real, scalable impact.
Over the past two decades, Thailand has established a nationwide network of regional science parks. Each park is shaped by local strengths but united in one mission: to expand access to research, technology, and innovation for sustainable business growth. Ms. Pimporn outlined five important roles of Thailand’s science parks, including serving as innovation catalysts, ecosystem builders, facilitators of collaboration, capacity developers, and market gateways.
Thriving Rapidly in a Competitive Landscape
Watcharin Witthayaweerasak, director of the Thai Business Incubators and Science Parks Association (Thai-BISPA), emphasized the need for startups to adapt and thrive under pressure. Access to capital, technology adoption, market access, and overcoming legal and regulatory hurdles are critical for success. Thai-BISPA supports over 80 incubators and accelerators nationwide, fostering innovation through 17 regional science parks (RSPs). These RSPs typically adopt a university-affiliated model, leveraging extensive university resources to benefit SMEs and startups.
Case Studies of Sustainable Innovations
Thai-BISPA supports startups innovating within Thailand’s bio-, circular, and green economic framework. One such example is bio-circuit wastewater treatment, an innovative solution for industrial wastewater pollution management. Another is RODDA climate-smart cattle feed, which reduces methane emissions and increases cattle growth rates. Additionally, the Ricult application offers digital financial solutions and farm analytics to support farmers in Thailand and Pakistan.
Green Skills for the Future
Wongkot Wongsapai, vice-president of the Office of the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council, highlighted the growing demand for green skills. A LinkedIn Economy Graph showed a significant rise in global demand for personnel with green skills, outpacing the supply. Sittha Sukkasi, a researcher at the National Metal and Materials Technology Center, emphasized the need for fundamental and soft skills, including critical thinking, creativity, and environmental awareness, to drive the green economy.
