The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), led by Prof. Dr. Sukit Limpijumnong, President of NSTDA, and Dr. Uracha Ruktanonchai, Executive Director of the National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), participated in the EARTO Executive Board Members & RIN CEOs Meeting on 9 June 2026 in Leuven, Belgium.
The meeting served as an important international platform for leaders of research and technology organizations to exchange policy perspectives, follow key developments in the global science, research and innovation landscape, and strengthen cooperation among organizations from around the world.
EARTO (the European Association of Research and Technology Organisations) is a European membership-based association representing Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs) and providing a platform for collaboration and policy dialogue in research, development and innovation. RIN (EARTO’s RTOs International Network) brings together EARTO International Members—RTOs from outside Europe—to promote strategic exchange and strengthen international cooperation.
Discussions at the meeting focused on the role of Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs) as key actors within the science, technology and innovation system, connecting research, technology, skills, and infrastructure to practical applications in industry, the public sector, and society. Major topics included cooperation between the OECD and EARTO on the study of governance models for research and technology organizations in different countries, as well as progress on the European Union’s next research and innovation framework programme, FP10, together with the proposed European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), which is expected to influence the future direction of research and innovation investment in Europe.
During the meeting, the President of NSTDA highlighted the agency’s role as Thailand’s leading organization in science, technology and innovation and as a key national mechanism for driving the country’s development. NSTDA is committed to generating and advancing research and development that can be translated into practical applications, while also serving as a connector among the public sector, private sector, and society. This role supports technology transfer, human resource development, and the effective use of science and technology infrastructure to address national development priorities.
NSTDA’s participation in the meeting reflects its commitment to closely following global policy trends in science, research and innovation, while strengthening collaborative networks with leading research and technology organizations worldwide. Such engagement will contribute to enhancing the long-term capabilities of Thailand’s science, research and innovation system.
Prior to this meeting, the President of NSTDA also participated in G-STIC Brussels 2026 on 8 June 2026 at the Flemish Parliament in Brussels, Belgium. G-STIC is an international platform that integrates innovation, policy, and finance to accelerate tangible progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participation in this event provided another valuable opportunity for NSTDA to keep abreast of global developments in science, technology and innovation for sustainable development, while expanding collaborative networks with research institutions, technology organizations, and policy institutes from around the world in support of Thailand’s future research and development directions.