12-13 May 2016, Thailand
The importance of innovation going together with collaboration was stressed in the two-day event Collaboration for Innovation held on 12-13 May 2016 at Asian Institute of Technology. Besides focusing on the importance of innovation and collaboration, the event also provided experts from various fields to interact, share ideas, and explore collaborative approaches.
AIT President Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai in his welcome address mentioned commercialization of innovations as one of the biggest challenges faced by innovators. Prof. Worsak mentioned that collaborative approach to commercialization is one way to bridge the gap between academia and industry. He also stressed that the economic gains from a collaboration should not affect the outcome, which is a tangible outcome for humankind.
Mr. Martin Hart-Hansen, Deputy Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in his keynote address highlighted the thematic appropriateness of the event and mentioned, “the word innovation was the most used business buzzword in international online media in 2015 and next on the list was collaboration.” The keynote address can be viewed at the UNDP website.
The Chief Guests for the event Governor of Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (I-EA-T) Dr. Verapong Chairperm and Acting Governor of National Housing Authority (NHA) Thailand Ms. Ubonwan Suebybal while introducing their respective organizations also focused on the innovative and collaborative approach being planned and implemented in their organizations. The Guest of Honor Dr. Somchet Thinapong, President of AIT Alumni Association, Chairman of both National Innovation Authority (NIA), Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) also stressed the importance of innovation, saying “Now is the right time to convert these ideas into reality.”
Speakers from the Day 1 of the event included: Prof. Sivanappan Kumar, AIT Vice President for Academic Affairs; Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto, AIT Vice President for Resource Development; Ms. Jintana Khumprakob, Expert, Small and Medium Business Enterprise Development, SME Bank; Ms. Sopitta Chotechuang, Assistant Vice President, BETAGRO; and Dr. Jonathan Shaw, Executive Director, AIT Extension, while Speakers from Day 2 included: Dr. Songphon Munkongsujarit, Senior Consultant, Innovation and Technology Assistance Program (ITAP-TMC); Mr. Madhu Avalur, Founder and CEO, Angaros; Dr. Paul Janecek, CEO, Think Blue Data; Dr. Siddharth Jabade, Dean and Professor, Vishwakarma Institute of Technology. View all the speakers and the highlights of their presentations.
A key highlight of the event was the Innovative Idea Competition, an avenue for researchers topitch their best strategies, ideas, and use of technologies that will provide solutions for community and industries. The winners will have the chance to further develop and commercialize their ideas with the technical and financial support from AIT Solutions along with partners from the private sector, business, and industry. See highlights of the competition.
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