LAMPANG, Thailand – A training program for Provincial Administrative Organization personnel from all 17 northern provinces is underway in Lampang, promoting the use of innovation, research, and technology to expand local economies and improve quality of life. The Local Growth Engine program, held from September 9 to 11 at Lampang Rajabhat University, has welcomed more than 500 local executives, government officials, and participants from various sectors.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yodchanan Wongsawat presided over the program’s opening today (Sep 10), delivering a keynote address on innovation-driven local development. He called for communities to turn local identity, traditional knowledge, and resources into economic opportunities, with the government helping connect local areas to technology, expertise, and other resources.
The program encourages local authorities to apply innovation, technology, and modern marketing to increase the value of products and services. Agriculture, food, tourism, arts, culture, and local wisdom were identified as areas in which northern provinces could leverage research and technology to create new opportunities and generate additional income. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation plans to connect university research and technology with local needs while encouraging cooperation among provinces, universities, businesses, and communities. (NNT)
