ABSTRACT

The rapid pace of technological development, the globalization process, and environmental issues have made people more aware of the role of technology as a factor determining international competitiveness and sustainable development. Technology not only needs to be generated, acquired, utilized, adopted, and adapted; like a business, it also needs to be managed. In a developing country like Thailand, the pattern of MOT is rather confused. It is not clear whether anyone is trying to manage technology. This chapter, then, is a first attempt to describe the emerging pattern. It is divided into three parts: The first part provides background on the three main productive sectors, the development through seven five-year plans, and the history of S&T development and policy. The second part describes the strategies of the three main players in technology management: the public sector, academia, and the private sector. Third, some policy implications are derived.