ABSTRACT
The digital economy has continuously been changing and formulating various activities of the ASEAN science, technology and innovation (STI) and its ecosystem under the ever-changing ICT environment. This chapter suggests a futuristic STI platform and the STI thrusts for the ASEAN countries in the context of the digital economy. These include (i) the STI digital platform, (ii) STI and R&D policy, (iii) liaison with academia and industry on the global value chain, (iv) facilitating technology transfer, and (v) promoting young entrepreneurs and start-ups in the digital economy. This chapter reviews how the digital economy relates to the STI thrusts. In order for the digital economy to be a game changer for ASEAN STI initiatives, we need to develop such strategies as (i) establishing diplomatic relationships in an official way, (ii) engaging with the private sector in STI initiatives, (iii) applying official development assistance (ODA) effectively, and (iv) facilitating open innovation.
