About the University-Industry Links
Food and Agriculture and Biotechnology is one of the key focus areas of the government’s Thailand 4.0 initiative to move Thailand from an industry-based economy to that of science and technology, research development and innovation. The government sets up the Food Innopolis at the Thailand Science Park in 2016 as a global food innovation hub to support research and development and innovation for the food industry, amassing over 32 food related companies and 23 Higher Education Institutions with more planning on joining. The Thailand 4.0 offers generous incentives and tax exemptions to high tech companies that set up advanced manufacturing facilities in the country—including agro-processing and food for the future.
The UK similarly is a thriving centre for research and product development in food and drink, pioneering ethical, health and convenience foods and is leading in the development of stable, ethical and traceable global supply chains. In addition, it hosts some of the world’s best collaborations between universities and food and drink companies.
The British Council Thailand, in partnership with the Food Innopolis, National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), is working on the University – Industry Links to form partnership and knowledge sharing platform between university and food industry in both countries.
We are working with Thai academics and industry in 2 areas: Foresight for Food, and Sensory and Consumer Behaviours.
Foresight for Food - Train the Trainers
The project offers an opportunity for participants to gain greater understanding in the foresight processes in real context, enabling the development of roadmaps to prepare for future businesses. The participants will attend the train the trainers training in Thailand, and selected participants from the project will be able to join the UK visit.
The objectives of the project are:
- To set up strategic direction for Thai universities on strategic foresight processes through development of a roadmap;
- To increase knowledge transfer and engagement between Thai and UK universities and the food industry sectors;
- To build capacity of Thai institutions through expertise from the UK; and
- To expand gateway for Thai industry to work with UK industry
Sensory and Consumer Behaviours - Train the Trainers
The Project aims to build key individuals on sensory analysis and understanding consumer behaviours and insights, creating competitive advantages in developing Thai food products for the international food market.
The objectives of the project are:
- To promote innovative development of Thai food products through better understanding of sensory analysis and consumer insights;
- To increase knowledge transfer and engagement between Thai and UK universities and the food industry sectors; and
- To build capacity of Thai institutions through expertise from the UK
