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The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and a real estate developer in Thailand joined forces in 2023, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at a real estate developer’s Research & Innovation for Sustainability Centre (RISC) within its business-social organisation. The ceremony was marked as a milestone. Dr Janekrishna Kanatharana, Executive Vice President of NSTDA, and Assoc Prof Dr Singh Intrachooto, Chief Advisor of RISC, a real estate developer, serve as signatories. The agreement, witnessed by NSTDA Vice President Dr Adisorn Tuantranont and RISC Senior Vice President Dr Jittapat Choruengwiwat, sets the stage for collaborative research and innovation focusing on sustainability.
Dr Janekrishna Kanatharana highlighted the shared recognition between NSTDA and a real estate developer regarding the transformative power of research and innovation. Both organisations, aware of the evolving landscape, initiated this collaboration to develop innovative solutions that meet consumer demands, safeguard the environment, and contribute to societal well-being. “The collaboration aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasising the commitment to addressing global challenges through science and technology,” he expressed.
NSTDA, as the nation’s science and technology powerhouse, operates under the Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) model. This model, which forms the backbone of NSTDA’s initiatives, aims to promote the sustainability of biological resources, build resilience to global changes, strengthen grassroots economies, and enhance the sustainable competitiveness of Thai BCG industries.
Collaborating with a real estate developer holds significant promise in fostering innovation, particularly in housing development and creating eco-friendly building materials. These initiatives are poised to contribute substantially to the broader goals of sustainable development.
Assoc Prof. Dr Singh Intrachooto, Chief Advisor of RISC at a real estate developer, emphasised the corporation’s unwavering support for leveraging research outputs to drive the country’s development. With its primary focus on research and innovation for supporting sustainable lifestyles, RISC aims to be at the forefront of the ongoing trend, prioritising research and development within public and private organisations. The partnership with NSTDA is strategically designed to create sustainable solutions under the ‘For All Well-Being banner’ through an advancement of technology. Research activities within RISC’s five research hubs will contribute to the happiness of all living beings and promote a sustainable and resilient environment.
Dr Singh further noted that the agreement signed is a renewal of collaboration that commenced in 2018. It reaffirms a joint commitment to foster “sustainnovation” – a collaboration of innovative and sustainable technologies that enhance well-being, particularly for building residents. The new phase of collaboration is envisioned to address physical and environmental well-being, marking a holistic approach towards sustainable development in all dimensions.
“A real estate developer established RISC to develop innovative solutions to improve the quality of life for all beings. RISC’s research outputs are used for real estate developer’s projects and available for public use to benefit society,” Dr Singh added, highlighting the organisation’s commitment to the public welfare through disseminating research findings. This underscores a broader societal impact, where research and innovation outcomes transcend corporate boundaries, benefiting the community.
The tour offered insights into an environment where sustainability meets innovation. The business-social organisation serves as a testament to the commitment to sustainable construction. It embodies collaborative innovation principles, featuring co-working spaces and supporting facilities to foster interaction and idea exchange.
The collaboration between NSTDA and a real estate developer represents a significant step towards leveraging research and innovation for sustainable development. As these two entities join forces, the fusion of scientific expertise and corporate commitment promises to yield solutions that address contemporary challenges while contributing to the broader global agenda of sustainability and well-being. The partnership exemplifies the potential when science, technology, and corporate responsibility converge, marking a paradigm shift towards a more sustainable and resilient future.