The National Nanotechnology Policy Framework (2012-2021)
Executive Summary
In today’s world, nanotechnology is regarded with great significance. Not only has it played a more
pivotal role in business and industrial sectors, but it has also been one of the contributing factors to radicalsocio-economic change. It is a branch of technology with a variety of potential applications and further
extension to new materials, products, equipment systems, and the latest inventions. Nanotechnology
requires multidisciplinary research in which basic research plays an important role in gaining an understanding
about how to develop more extensive and integrated technologies. Such development entails
interdisciplinary collaboration among physicists, chemists, biologists; and electrical, computer, chemical, andmaterials engineers in order to start initiatives and lay the groundwork for other disciplines. Reliance istherefore placed on personnel competence, research support, integrated research system management,
technology absorption and transfer, analysis and testing, physical infrastructure, intellectual property
management, public awareness and understanding, safety management, ethical management, risk
management, and linkages between the R&D sector and social and industrial sectors. Thailand’s investment
in nanotechnology may not have been substantial in the past; however, investment alone is not the mostimportant condition of the equation. It is the sharp focus and innovative idea that are largely instrumental in
the country’s nanotechnology competitiveness and breakthrough.
According to the National Science Technology and Innovation Act 2008, the National Science
Technology and Innovation Policy Office (STI) was assigned to propose the National Science Technology andInnovation Master Plan to the National Science Technology and Innovation Policy Committee (NSTIC) for
consideration. STI and the National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC) have been collaborating to formulate
the National Nanotechnology Policy Framework (2012-2021) to set guidelines and directions for Thailand’snanotechnology development over a period of 10 years. The formulating process of this Policy Framework
was operated through the mechanism of the National Nanotechnology Policy Framework Steering
Committee (2012-2021), which is constituted of experts from all sectors to canvass the views and provide
practical advice on defining goals, strategic intents, strategies, measures, and indicators that are in line with
the Policy Framework.
On September 11, 2012, the cabinet approved the National Nanotechnology Policy Framework (20122021) and the Nanosafety and Ethics Strategic Plan (2012-2016). The Ministry of Science and Technology, andrelevant agencies were afterwards entrusted with the implementation of the Policy Framework.

1The National Nanotechnology Policy Framework (2012-2021)
The National Nanotechnology Policy Framework (2012-2021) was formulated in correspondence withneeds, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, potentiality, competency, challenges, and internal and external
fundamental factors for the development of Thailand’s nanotechnology. Constraints on how to optimize thelimited resources in the long run were also taken into account. It has also taken relevant issues from the
National Nanotechnology Strategic Plan 2007-2013, the National Science Technology and Innovation Policy
and Plan 2012-2021, and the Eleventh National Economic and Social Development Plan (2012-2016) into
consideration. However, due to the dynamism of nanotechnology, which has gone through a revolutionarychange, it is essential to adjust the goals, strategic intents, strategies, measures, and key performanceindicators that are suitable with the current situation and future trends of nanotechnology. To ensure
effective implementation of the policy, the following visions and goals have been identified.

VisionNanotechnology strengthens economic competency, quality of life, society, and environment in asustainable manner.
The National Nanotechnology Policy Framework (2012-2021) has targeted for three primary goals:
1. Improving agricultural technology and manufacturing industry that meet the demand of the market
through nanotechnology.
2. Utilizing nanotechnology to develop materials, products, and equipments in order to enhance thequality of life, wellness, and environment.
3. Becoming ASEAN’s leader in nanotechnology research and education.

Strategic Framework for Thailand’s Nanotechnology Development
The National Nanotechnology Policy Framework (2012-2021) was designed to improve Thailand’snanotechnology competency, enhance economic growth, and improve existing industrial sectors as well as
generate new ones. This Policy Framework is intended to improve the quality of life and society, as well as
environmental consumption and conservation in a sustainable manner. Knowledge integration from various
branches of technology is therefore indispensable to nanotechnology development and application that fill aneed of stakeholders of all levels, from upstream to midstream and downstream sectors. These intentions
give rise to the formulation of Thailand’s nanotechnology strategic direction, which can be cascaded into fourlevels.
2

1. Defining the socio-economic development of the four target clusters: 1) Health and Medicine; 2)Agriculture and Food Sector; 3) Manufacturing Industry; 4) Energy and Environment. Eight targetedindustries have also been identified: Food and Agriculture, Electronics, Automotive, Textile,
Chemicals/Petrochemicals, Health and Medicine, SMEs/Community, and Energy and Environment.
2. Defining seven flagship products which increase Thailand’s potential for competition: 1)
Nanosensors manufactured from both bio and non-bio materials, e.g., gas detectors and monitors used inindustrial, agricultural, and environmental fields; polymer electrolytes; medical diagnostic equipment. 2)
Nanoelectronics, e.g., organic nanoelectronics, solar cells, organic thin films, organic thin film photovoltaic
materials. 3) Drug Delivery System, e.g., drug delivery vehicle, targeted drug, herbal extracts insupplementary foods. 4) Nanocosmeceuticals, e.g., extracts for cosmetics and skin care products. 5)
Nanocatalysts and Nanofiltration Materials, e.g., nano-zeolite catalysts, molecular filters, intrinsicallyconducting polymers. 6) Nano Coating Materials, e.g., thermal insulation coating materials, surface coating
materials, water-resistant and stain-repellent textile coatings. 7) Functional Nanostructure, e.g., carbon
nanotube reinforced composites.
3. Defining fundamental academic disciplines in nanotechnology and relating core technologies into
three areas: 1) Nanomaterials, 2) Nanoelectronics, and 3) Bionanotechnology. Technology platform are
specified into three areas: 1) Nano Coating Technology, 2) Nano Encapsulation, and 3) Functional
Nanostructure.
4. Defining key strategic actions to improve the enabling factors at the fundamental level. These
include: 1) Human Resource, e.g. granting funds to the researchers and reforming the education system topromote vocational career paths. 2) Research and Development, e.g. specifying nanotechnology researchand development directions and technology platforms for the agricultural, industrial, and service sectors;
encouraging collaborative research among government agencies, educational institutions, and private sectors
to apply nanotechnology for commercialization. 3) Infrastructure Development, e.g. promoting the national
nanotechnology laboratory equipped with full capacities for research and analysis; supporting the Center of
Excellence for nanotechnology; strengthening nanotechnology incubation units; investing in or licensing fromoverseas nanotechnology development companies; improving regulations, legal measures, and financial
instruments to attract both domestic and foreign investments. 4) Management, e.g. quality, standard, safety,
and ethical system improvements for the quality of life and wellness; including nanotechnology in
educational curricular to promote awareness. 5) Technology Transfer, which results in knowledge
dissemination and capability enhancements among the industrial sector and relevant agencies.

3Strategic Intents, Strategies, and Measures
In order to achieve the three major goals, it is essential to drive the Policy Framework forward through thefive strategic intents.
Strategic Intent 1: The Utilization of Nanotechnology to Improve Quality of Life, Health, Medicine, andPublic Health
Nanotechnology research to improve quality of life, health, and medicine has recently advanced
tremendously, especially in the field of nanomedicine, such as Nanosensors and Imaging, Targeted Drug
Delivery and Controlled Release, and Regenerative Medicine.
The applications of nanotechnology to health-related issues for prevention, screening, detection, andtreatments by using nanoparticles in molecular characterization to enhancing the quality of organ imaging,and performing sophisticated treatments and cell therapy.

Goals
1. Nanotechnology increases capabilities for the surveillance, control, prevention, and reduction ofproblematic diseases.
2. The public gains correct understanding about nanotechnology application in consumer products.
3. To develop a management system and guidelines for nanosafety and nanotechnology applications.
Strategy 1.1

Support and promote nanotechnology R&D and its applications in improving thequality of life, health, and medicine

Measure 1.1.1

Define nanotechnology R&D directions to improve the quality of life, health,and medicine.

Measure 1.1.2

Apply nanotechnology in diagnostic testing and in the prevention andtreatment of diseases.

Strategy 1.2

Promote awareness and communication to develop an understanding of
nanotechnology

Measure 1.2.1

Establish communication and disseminate knowledge about nanotechnology tothe public on a continuous basis through various channels at several levels.

4

Measure 1.2.2

Introduce topics and subject matter on nanotechnology starting in middle
school curricula.

Measure 1.2.3

Build collaborative networks among the public sector, private sector, andpeople sectors in order to raise awareness. Apply, integrate and disseminate theknowledge acquired from nanotechnology development within theorganization’s strategies.

Strategy 1.3

Provide knowledge and mechanisms for nanotechnology in safety, monitoring,ethics, and standards

Measure 1.3.1

Provide efficient mechanisms for management and knowledge
dissemination on safety and ethics in nanotechnology.

Measure 1.3.2

Support the roles of the national committee on nanotechnology safety
and ethics.

Measure 1.3.3

Improve the quality control, standards, and safety of nanotechnology
products.

Strategic Intent 2: Using Nanotechnology to Enhance the Agricultural Sector and Manufacturing Industry
Nanotechnology has been applied to enhance the competencies in the agricultural sector andmanufacturing industry in several parts of the value chain; for example, in the development of controlled
release fertilizers, plant nutrients and pesticides; using nanosensors for environmental monitoring on
temperature, humidity, residue or toxins, heavy metals, and soil nutrients monitoring during the cultivation
period. In addition, nanotechnology can be applied in food inspection; in the development of thin-film
packaging that prevents water and air permeation; in the development of nanofibers used in the weaving
process to enhance durability, stain prevention, and water resistance; and in the improvement of industrial
materials to be stronger, more durable, and lighter.
Goals
1. Increasing investments in nanotechnology in the agricultural sector and manufacturing industry.
2. Increasing nanotechnology research works in the agricultural sector and manufacturing industry which
can be applied in commercialization process.
3. Increasing employment rate in the field of nanotechnology in the agricultural sector andmanufacturing industry.
5Strategy 2.1

Promote nanotechnology knowledge in manufacturing process and encourage value
creation throughout the value chain

Measure 2.1.1

Determine the directions of nanotechnology research and technology platform
for the agricultural sector and manufacturing industry.

Measure 2.1.2

Support the development and extension of nanotechnology platform
researches.

Measure 2.1.3

Provide access for information, including fundamental information,
government’s R&D information, and business information.

Strategy 2.2

Promote R&D mechanisms and applications between R&D and business sectors

Measure 2.2.1

Create R&D network on nanotechnology between R&D and business sectors at
both national and international levels.

Measure 2.2.2

Provide support in initiating mechanisms or organizations that enable linkages
between knowledge and collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Strategy 2.3

Drive nanotechnology research towards applications and commercialization

Measure 2.3.1

Create incentives to encourage business investments.

Measure 2.3.2

Encourage R&D collaborations between government agencies, educational
institutions, and private sectors. Drive nanotechnology research findings towards
applications and commercialization.

Strategic Intent 3: Nanotechnology for Energy Security and Environmental Conservation
The trends of energy needs and global energy security are becoming crucial problems. Industrial
development increases consumption of natural resource and create environmental impact. Nanotechnology
in the areas of energy and environment therefore plays a very important part in strengthening security andreduction of environmental impact. Examples of such nanotechnology include insulation made fromnanomaterials, nanotechnology for fuel cell production, the application of nanotechnology in water toxicity
detectors, and nanotechnology that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Goals
1. Research findings can be applied in energy security enhancement.

6

2. Thailand becomes a leader in nanotechnology applications in developing and producing both energy
and alternative energy in ASEAN.
3. Nanotechnology plays a role in supporting and improving green manufacturing with 0.5% reduction in
waste and pollution and reduction in greenhouse gas emission.
Strategy 3.1

Promote R&D activities in nanotechnology to increase the efficiency of energy andalternative energy production

Measure 3.1.1

Support R&D on nanotechnology platforms for applications in the enhancementof energy and alternative energy productivity.

Measure 3.1.2

Apply nanotechnology to reduce greenhouse gas emission and environmental
impact.

Strategy 3.2

Develop nanotechnology to mitigate impacts on the environment and to efficiently
use natural resources

Measure 3.2.1

Develop nanotechnology for clean manufacturing system and encourage moreutilization in the industrial sector.

Measure 3.2.2

Promote technology transfer for practical applications of waste treatment andreduction for industrial sector.

Measure 3.2.3

Develop equipment to efficiently monitor pollution in the environment.

Strategic Intent 4: Human Resource Development (HRD) for Nanotechnology
To strengthen Thailand’s development, it is necessary to build and prepare nanotechnology
manpower at a critical mass level to serve for today and future demand. There must be an adequate
number of researchers in order to engage R&D activities towards efficient applications of the existing
technologies, and to be able to continuously generate innovations at a competitive pace and beyond. Thereis a necessity, then, for a steady movement of HRD in nanotechnology and a well-defined career path fornanotechnology personnel at the operational level.

7

Goals
1. The number of nanotechnology R&D personnel to population is 2.5:10,000.
2. Fifty percent of nanotechnology operational workforce is in the business sector.
Strategy 4.1

Increase the number of nanotechnologist exponentially

Measure 4.1.1

Offer educational grants to improve the competencies of Thailand’s researchers
and instructors.

Measure 4.1.2

Promote the exchange of researchers among organizations both at national andinternational levels.

Measure 4.1.3

Provide support to researchers to present their work in international
nanotechnology research conferences.

Strategy 4.2

Promote nanotechnology manpower jointly built by industries, educational
institutions, and government agencies

Measure 4.2.1

Provide support to higher education in designing academic curricula that
accommodate academia and industry.

Measure 4.2.2

Provide grants for nanotechnology research and study.

Measure 4.2.3

Encourage appropriate incentives to attract foreign researchers or experts.

Strategy 4.3

Strengthen knowledge and practical skills of manpower for public and industry

Measure 4.3.1

Promote collaborations among educational, research institutions and industrial
sector in shaping qualified nanotechnology manpower.

Measure 4.3.2

Provide training courses to relevant personnel on nanotechnology in practiceand tool maintenance.

Measure 4.3.3

Promote research findings through public dissemination.

Strategic Intent 5: Development of Infrastructure and Enabling Factors
Nanotechnology infrastructure is regarded as the most important enabling factor to enhance STI
competencies. It helps ensure that Thailand can be competitive in the long run by focusing on making
connections and collaborations in forms of research networks among educational institutions, research8institutions, the manufacturing sector, and related organizations in Thailand and overseas. Examples ofinfrastructure include the Nanotechnology Center of Excellence, expertise networks, laboratories in thenational center and regional networks, and a database system. These facilities are enabling instruments to
R&D as well as for the manufacturing and service sectors to improve their product quality to meet thestandards. Not only does the development of infrastructure and enabling factors help reduce the production
cost, but having a central database system also leads to worthwhile non-repetitive and directional resource
management.
Goals
1. Thailand’s nanotechnology competency is in the lead among ASEAN nations, with national
nanotechnology R&D spending totaling to 0.2% of GDP.
2. Creation of bridging mechanisms that link between the public, education, and business sectors, withnational nanotechnology R&D spending from the government and business at 50% each.
3. Creation of incentives that attract business investment from within Thailand and overseas andpromotion of technology transfer.
Strategy 5.1

Declare the policy and investment allotment on nanotechnology R&D

Measure 5.1.1

Government agencies, research units, and business sectors collaborate in R&D
by using government budget, monetary funds, loans, and business investments.
Redundancy in operation and budget utilization is therefore reduced, resulting
in efficient use of the budget.

Measure 5.1.2

Develop a database system on national nanotechnology infrastructure.

Measure 5.1.3

Encourage nanotechnology R&D activities and mega research projects by usinglarge-scale flagship projects as groundwork.

Strategy 5.2

Build confidence and provide support for investment attraction

Measure 5.2.1

Improve regulations, legal measures, and standards to increase confidence intools/products.

Measure 5.2.2

Improve regulations, legal measures, and financial instruments to create
incentives and attract business investment from both Thailand and overseas;and promote technology transfer.

Measure 5.2.3

Use the government market to stimulate mass production from R&D works.
9Strategy 5.3

Support the infrastructure for analysis and testing

Measure 5.3.1

Support the Center of Excellence and expertise networks in key areas ofnanotechnology.

Measure 5.3.2

Enhance the competencies of the agencies involved in testing and issuingnanotechnology standards.

Measure 5.3.3

Support the establishment of nanotechnology national laboratory that hascapabilities to accommodate research, diagnosis and testing, and provide
services that meet international standards.

Policy Management Mechanism Towards Implementation and Evaluation
For the National Nanotechnology Policy Framework (2012-2021), three levels of operational structure
are defined—policy level, action plan enforcement level, and implementation level—in order to ensure
inclusive management from policy to implementation. At the policy level, management and control ofrelated government agencies and private firms are directly responsible for NSTIC. The National Science
Technology and Innovation Policy Office (STI) takes charge in policy research and acts as an agency thatmonitors the world’s nanotechnology trends, and then proposes the policy to NSTIC. In cooperation with the
National Nanotechnology Center, the two agencies work as a secretariat of NSTIC, which may appropriately
form sub-committees to implement the following key activities: 1) Sub-committee for driving
nanotechnology policy: responsible for enforcing the implementation according to the Policy Framework,
coordinating with other agencies to follow the Policy Framework, and considering proposals or measures
regarding high-impact nanotechnology and proposing them to NSTIC. 2) Sub-committee for monitoring andassessment of the National STI Policy and Plan: responsible for reporting the implementation results;
monitoring and evaluating the nanotechnology policy and plan; monitoring key activities in nanotechnology;
and raising opinions to NSTIC by pushing forward through the government agencies or private firms, or throughexpert or working teams which can be further formed in each sub-committee as appropriate to help carry theplan towards implementation.
The evaluation is performed by the well-recognized and qualified agency that has an expertise in
nanotechnology. Responsible for monitoring the progress and achievement of projects or key activities, theagency reports the results of evaluation to NSTIC for acknowledgement and recommendations on the policy
framework, goals, strategic intents, strategies, measures, and action plans, all of which have to be compatible
with the changing situations. The Secretariat of Nanotechnology Policy Framework acts as a coordinator

10among relevant agencies at all three levels—policy, plan enforcement, and implementation—in revising the
Nanotechnology Policy Framework and taking action according to the recommendations of NSTIC.

Key Success Factors for Enforcement Policy Framework towards Implementation
Nanotechnology is regarded as a key success factor for the development of several technologies. To
implement the established goals of the Policy Framework, the fundamental success factors of commitment,
focused planning, evaluation, and strategic alignment are required. In addition, at least three key successfactors (KSF) have to be taken into consideration: 1) Budget: With appropriate amount and continuity, thebudget will enable knowledge development and extension for the benefits of short-term applications andlong-term development of the infrastructure. This requires proper resource management and the ability toassess efficiency and effectiveness in order to meet the demands of the people. 2) Incentives: There need
to be measures to reinforce strengths and minimize weaknesses by focusing on the development andapplication of nanotechnology; and by offering attractive incentives for R&D activities and R&D investments
both at domestic and international levels including grants, tax measures, and enabling measures to attract
talent mobility in nanotechnology. 3) Government market: This includes supporting government
procurement, encouraging market expansion, enhancing infrastructure capabilities, and enabling flexibility incertain industries. Some examples of supporting the government market are through flagship projects thatprovide active support to the public and private sectors; by increasing strengths; by enabling thedevelopment of innovative products by starting from using domestic raw materials and reducing imports; bypromoting targeted industries with domestic market; by creating jobs and occupations; by winning acceptanceand confidence in standard quality; by enhancing competencies of Thailand’s nanotechnology development
to a certain degree that enables the country to stand robust in global competition; and, finally, by being able
to remain internationally competitive in the circumstances where a large amount of budget is injected andspent on R&D activities at a fast pace.
Key Success Indicators
Examples of key success indicators for the Policy Framework can be categorized as follows:
1. Indicators on social development, quality of life, health, medicine and public health, andnanotechnology awareness• Number of health and medical products with components from nanotechnology application or that
apply nanotechnology in the manufacturing process11• Public awareness regarding the importance and ethics of nanotechnology applications• Number of books, textbooks, publications, or testing and demonstration equipment that provide
nanotechnology knowledge to the public• Number of websites that provide knowledge and public information on nanotechnology
2. Indicators on capacity building of the agricultural sector and manufacturing industry• Number of products with components from nanotechnology application or that apply
nanotechnology in the manufacturing process• Value of products and services that apply nanotechnology knowledge to GDP• Number of enterprise networks in core industries with nanotechnology applications• Nanotechnology-related employment rate
3. Indicators on adaptation to climate change, energy, and environmental security• Number of products relating to adapting to climate, energy, and environmental change withcomponents from nanotechnology or that apply nanotechnology in the manufacturing process• Number of projects that apply nanotechnology knowledge in adapting to climate change• Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the fields of energy, transportation, manufacturing industry,
construction, and agriculture• More efficient use of energy• Increase in renewable and alternative energy consumption• Number of projects with efficient management and nanotechnology application to reduce waste thathas an impact on the ecosystem
4. Indicators on human resource development in nanotechnology• Number of researchers, research assistants, and personnel equipped with knowledge innanotechnology• Number of technicians with knowledge and skills for maintenance of equipment and tools used in
nanotechnology R&D activities• Number of educational institutions that offer curricula and degrees in nanotechnology

12• Number of nanotechnology-related publications in academic journals that are internationallyaccredited• Employment rate of graduates in the nanotechnology field
5. Indicators on the development of infrastructures and enabling factors in nanotechnology
development• R&D expenditure to value creation of the industries that use nanotechnology• Percentage of government R&D expenditure to business R&D expenditure in nanotechnology• Number of nanotechnology laboratories• Number and type of equipment and tools that facilitate R&D in nanotechnology• Number of R&D projects and investment value from companies that received financial and technicalsupport from government agencies• Number of companies that own innovations derived from nanotechnology R&D activities• Number of registered patents and number of nanotechnology inventions

Expected Outcomes for Thailand
The National Nanotechnology Policy Framework (2012-2021) clearly defines goals, strategies,
measures, and directions for the country, with expectations on building Thailand’s capabilities to pursue
advancements in technology and to cope with changes that may occur in the future. From the developmentof this Policy Framework, the following outcomes are expected to benefit the country.
Expected outcomes on the economic sector• Thailand becomes a top-three food and agriculture exporter in the world by increasing resource
management efficiency in production process and by reducing production costs• Value creation in the fashion and textile industries as well as other innovative fashion products
such as leather, gemstone, and jewelry accessories• Creation of new entrepreneurs or development of nanotechnology businesses among no fewer
than 500 companies, leading to investment, productivity, employment, and market creation

13

including clean and more highly efficient energy material technology, development of ready-touse medical diagnostic kit, medicine, and medical equipment
Expected outcomes on people and society• Acquisition of new patterns of learning development and social education• Value creation of local products• Increase in abilities to control, prevent, and reduce the rate of problematic diseases• Correct knowledge and understanding about the application of nanotechnology in consumer
goods• Awareness of the negative and ethical impacts resulting from the application of
nanotechnology
Expected outcomes on the environment• Application of nanotechnology to develop and produce renewable energy• Reduction of pollution from fossil fuel usage and greenhouse gas emissions• Environmental conservation and reduction of environmental impact resulting from industrial
development
Expected outcomes on Thailand’s science and technology capabilities• R&D expenditure on nanotechnology reaches 0.2% of GDP• Percentage of research works conducted by government to business is 50:50• Number of nanotechnology R&D personnel to population is 2.5 to 10,000• Percentage of R&D personnel in business sector is 50%• Ability to register no fewer than 500 patents and have no fewer than 2,000 publications ininternational academic journals• Mechanisms to create the ability for technology absorption and technology transfer fromThailand and overseas; possession of legal-enabling factors; adoption of incentive creation
measures to attract investment; and improvement of financial regulations• A higher position in IMD’s World Competitiveness Rankings by becoming one among the first
15 of the rankings
14