Page 15 - ELITE PLUS MAGAZINE VOL13

Science and Social ProgressAided by smart policy planning, the Ministry of Science and Technology is spurring sustainable development for generations to comeDr Pichet Durongkaveroj, minister of science and technology since 2014, has dedicated his educational background in science, technology and economics, as well as work experience as leader of the National Science andInnovation Policy Office, to aiding innovation in the country’s agriculture, industry and service sectors. His work, facilitated by smart policy planning, hopes to aid diplomacy and create sustainable, long-term social and economic development. +to discuss the goals and missionsWe’ve worked towardsour goals, which are to enhance the capabilities of the workforce in science and technology, and to help the private sector improve their products and services in three main areas – industry, agriculture and servicesMinister Pichet sat down with Eliteof the ministry, its accomplishments over the past two years and the foundations that have been laid for the generations to come.What has the Ministry of Science and Technology accomplished in your tenure over the past two years?To state how much we have accomplished, we need the public to assess it. We have launched a number of initiatives that are beneficial to Thailand and relate to our foreigner partners in meaningful ways. There is still a lot of work to be done but I think we’ve reached a level that pleases people and meets expectations. I think we’ve come a long way, as far as we could in two years.When I took up the position, I brought a good team with me. We’ve empowered the ministry’s staff and attuned them to our goals. We work closely and extensively with the nine ministries, businesspeople, people in upcountry areas and foreign partners. I say “we” because I can’t complete all these tasks by myself.We’ve worked towards our goals, which are to enhance the capabilities of the workforce in science and technology, and to help the private sector improve their products and services in three main areas – industry, agriculture and services. We use science and technology to improve productivity. We want them to be able to compete at a global level. We have set up good systems for science, technology and innovation to develop in Thailand, not only by developing technology but also by building scientific infrastructure, developing human resources and creating sustainable mega-projects. So after the election, whoever the government is, they will be able to carry on what we have established and for a long time.Elite+ 13