Thailand™s National Biotechnology Policy Framework...

Published byNational Center for Genetic Engineering and BiotechnologyNational Science and Technology Development Agency113 Thailand Science Park, Paholyothin RoadKlong 1, Klong Luang, Patumthani 12120 ThailandTel. 66 2 564 6700 Fax. 66 2 564 6701-5 website: www.biotec.or.th

Thailand�s National BiotechnologyPolicy Framework 2004-2009

Message fromHis Excellency Thaksin ShinawatraPrime Minister of ThailandThailand�s National Biotechnology PolicyFramework (2004-2011), endorsed by the NationalBiotechnology Policy Committee, will bring about notonly an investment value of over 5,000 million bahtin biotechnology research and development, but alsothe emergence of more than one hundred newcompanies in the biotechnology business. Thismeans the generating of around 30,000 million baht in revenue for the countryannually. At the same time, the country�s growth in agricultural and foodexports will be expanded, which signifies that Thailand�s strength inbiotechnology will be fostered together with the enhancement of our economiccompetitiveness and quality of personnel in biotechnology. In other words,we shall be able to create significant intellectual capital, which is a keydriving factor for propelling Thailand into a knowledge-based economy in thecoming era. At this juncture, the government is committed to doing its verybest to promote biotechnology, especially through the allocation of a budgetthat will back up biotechnology development as well as acceleratebiotechnology work to bear fruitful and concrete results.I am confident that this book, �An Executive Summary on Thailand�sNational Biotechnology Policy Framework (2004-2011)� will indeed be of greatbenefit for all concerned entities as well as enable biotechnology developmentin Thailand to achieve all of the anticipated goals with success. (Thaksin Shinawatra) Prime Minister

In December 2003, the National Biotechnology Policy Committee,chaired by the Prime Minister, has resolved to endorse the Thailand�s NationalBiotechnology Policy Framework (2004-2011). Recognizing that biotechnologydevelopment in Thailand possesses high potential along with a series ofon-going projects that have been carried out with much efficiency, it wasrecommended that the timeframe be shortened to 6 years (2004-2009) sothat Thailand could benefit from biotechnology development at a faster pace.In this respect, the six sub-committees in charge of each respectivegoal of the Framework have re-considered and adjusted milestones to beconsistent with the revised six-year timeframe.The revised Framework hasnow been approved by the National Biotechnology Policy Committee.Accordingly, the Secretariat to the National Biotechnology Policy Committee,has published the new-editioned Thailand�s National Biotechnology PolicyFramework (2004-2009) with an objective to disseminate the Framework tothe public and to all concerned entities to be used as guideline.The Secretariat would like to extend its appreciation to the NationalBiotechnology Policy Committee, all six sub-committees, the Monitoring andEvaluation Committee of the National Biotechnology Policy Framework andall working groups for their inputs and contribution towards the NationalBiotechnology Policy Framework. The Policy Framework will enhanceThailand�s biotechnology position and will contribute to promoting selfsufficiency and global competitiveness.Dr. Sakarindr BhumiratanaPresident of the National Science and Technology Development AgencySecretariat to the National Biotechnology Policy Committee1 September 2005

Preface (2nd Edition)

Pursuant to Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra, Prime Minister, foreseeing theessence of biotechnology, a key factor for developing the country, he passedon an initiative to formulate Thailand�s National Biotechnology PolicyFramework in line with the Government�s policy to promote sufficiency ofliving and enhancement of competitiveness for the country, toward a properbalance and direction.Accordingly, the National Economic and Social Development Board(NESDB), in collaboration with the National Center for Genetic Engineeringand Biotechnology (BIOTEC), and the National Science and TechnologyDevelopment Agency (NSTDA) prepared the National Biotechnology PolicyFramework, an eight-year road map (2004 to 2011), and submitted it to theNational Biotechnology Policy Committee, chaired by the Prime Minister.On December 23, 2003, the National Biotechnology Policy Committeeresolved to endorse such National Biotechnology Policy Framework, in viewingthat biotechnology development in Thailand possesses high potential alongwith a series of on-going projects that have been carried out with muchefficiency. In this respect, the National Biotechnology Policy Committeeconcluded to draw the framework for the period of six years (2004-2009), aswell as appointed six sub-committees discharging of each separate goal.Meanwhile, a special sub-committee was also set up entrusted with maintask of genetic engineering and biosafety policy development. After all, thisshould prompt immediate consideration, and speed up implementation onthe national policy, for the issues that carry high impact and currently problemsto the country.

Preface

In the effort to disseminate the National Biotechnolgy PolicyFramework extensively, as well as enable relevant agencies to use it as aguidance for their respective implementation in harmony with the nationalpolicy, the secretariat of the National Biotechnology Policy Committee hasthe National Biotechnology Policy Framework published. This version of theNational Biotechnology Policy Framework is a six-year timeframe revisedfrom an eight-year timeframe as advised by the National Biotechnology PolicyCommittee.The Secretariat of the Naitonal Biotechnology Policy Committeewould like to extend appreciation to the Steering Committee of the NationalBiotechnology Status Review and Roadmapping Project, including severalworking groups for their valuable inputs and contribution to the compositionof the National Biotechology Policy Framework, which of course will be highlyuseful for the country in employing biotechnology to maintain the balanceand advancement for development, encompassing both aspects of sufficiencyof living and enhancing competitiveness. (Pairash Thajchayapong) President National Science and Technology Development Agency Secretariat of the National Biotechnology Policy Committee

Thailand�s National Biotechnology Policy Framework 2004 - 2009

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BackgroundThe Prime Minister of Thailand, Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra, foreseeingthe potential of biotechnology towards the development of the country,based on the fact that Thailand has an abundance of biologicalresources and the capacity to fast-track certain aspects of the technology,requested the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB),the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) andother relevant agencies to prepare policy recommendations for the nationaldevelopment of biotechnology. An overview paper on biotechnology policywas prepared and submitted for deliberation by the 3rd Cabinet ScreeningCommittee, and subsequently to the Cabinet, on 18 March 2003. Followingconsideration, the Cabinet passed a resolution agreeing to establish a NationalBiotechnology Policy Committee, to be chaired by the Prime Minister, andassigning NSTDA to serve as the secretariat of the Committee and to developthe nation�s master plan for developing biotechnology.Towards this end, NSTDA and the National Center for GeneticEngineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), its specialized center inbiotechnology, has conducted brainstorming sessions and analysis of datafrom commissioned studies of current status and trends in biotechnology-related fields, including public hearings with technical experts, the privatesector and other stakeholders. Within six months, a draft report identifying aframework of policy initiatives for developing Thailand�s biotechnology wasdrawn up.Comments on the draft report were subsequently sought fromBIOTEC�s Executive Board and the National Science and TechnologyDevelopment Board, who provided some recommendations to improve thereport. The final policy framework was tabled for consideration at the firstmeeting of the National Biotechnology Policy Committee on 23 December2003, where it was discussed and approved. Following are summaries ofthe main features of the report.

Thailand�s National BiotechnologyPolicy Framework 2004 - 2009Executive Summary

National Biotechnology Policy Committee Secretariat

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Goals of Biotechnology Development in Thailand(2004-2009)By the year 2011, biotechnology will be playing a vital role in thecountry�s development in line with government policy and the nationalagenda, which encompasses sustainable competitiveness, healthcarefor all, equitable income distribution and a self-sufficient economy. Theemphasis will be placed on applying core technologies, e.g. genomics,bioinformatics, plant and animal breeding by means of molecular markers toaccelerate development in the following areas: agriculture/food, medicalcare and environment protection, new knowledge creation for thedevelopment of higher value-added products, as well as for knowledge-basedpolicy and strategic planning. The core technologies will also help to promotebiotechnology business, including high-end products with high value and newtypes of services where modern technology is required.In addition to being consistent with the national agenda andgovernment policy directions, the national goals for biotechnologydevelopment are also derived from consideration to other dimensions. Theseinclude, among others, capability in and accessibility to technology, readinessand potential of the country and implications for the economy, society andthe environment.The six goals for biotechnology development in Thailand are:Goal No. 1:Goal No. 1:�Emergence and Development of New Bio-Business�Goal No. 2:�Biotechnology Promotes Thailand as Kitchen of the World�Goal No. 3:�Thailand Represents Healthy Community and HealthcareCenter of Asia�Goal No. 4:�Utilization of Biotechnology to Conserve the Environment and toProduce Clean Energy�Goal No. 5: �Biotechnology as the Key Factor for Self-Sufficient Economy�Goal No. 6:�Development of Qualified Human Resource System�


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Goal No. 1:�Emergence and Development of New Bio-Business�The potential of biotechnology will be utilized to encourage investmentin research and development and the establishment of new biotechnologycompanies with the following major objectives:- to see the emergence of over one hundred new biotechnologycompanies- to achieve investment by the private sector in research anddevelopment of biotechnology amounting to at least 5 billion bahtper year.The new bio-business will focus on many new opportunities. Onesuch opportunities is the production of high value-added products, such asmedical diagnostic kits, supplementary food and seed. Another is the servicebusiness, especially molecular-level detection/analysis for medical care andpublic health, agriculture and food export, biosafety and bioterrorism/biologicalweapons. Venture capital is to help expanding investment in the biotechnologybusiness. Knowledge-based business, including investment inbioinformatics research for new drug development, the search for genes(the genetic material that makes up characteristics of living things) for theimprovement of crop plants and livestock, will be the future-oriented focus.

Key strategies are:To construct/develop infrastructure such as a biotechnology parkto attract both domestic and overseas investment, as well as usingservices in research and development.To set forth clear policy or management to settle some highlycontroversial issues, such as issuance of law on protection ofbioresources and policy on the development of safe GMOs products.To create an environment and incentives for venture capital to beinvested in biotechnology, which needs a longer period than otherindustrial technologies for the return of the investment. These includetaxation privileges, in particular import duties, corporate tax andco-ownership of the rights to utilize bioresources where Thailandhas a particular advantage.To promote investment in research, development and innovation, aswell as cultivate capability for biotechnology research following theconcept of cluster research, skill-based technology and innovationapproaches.


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To support the listing of biotechnology companies on the StockExchange of ThailandMeasures that should be carried out immediately include:Make use of ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and AsiaCooperation Dialogue (ACD) to attract investment and expandThailand�s market.Formulate key business clusters based on skills, technology andinnovation approaches to promote small and medium-sized enterprisesto link with larger companies.Conduct public relations campaign amongst the internationalcommunity with emphasis on business potential and return ofinvestment in biotechnology in Thailand.Issue taxation measures and other privileges for venture capital.


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Goal No. 2:�Biotechnology Promotes Thailand as Kitchen of the World�Biotechnology is to support Thailand to become the �kitchen of theworld� by maintaining and enhancing its competitiveness in agriculture andfood industries which will increase in export value up to 1.2 trillion Baht (3times the 2002 export value), and improve the export value of processedagricultural products from 12th in the world ranking, up to the top 5 by theyear 2009.

Key strategies are:To promote agricultural research to include a higher biotechnologycomponent.To form clusters of high value-added manufacture in the supply chain,such as shrimp industry, seed industry and important goods, e.g.rice and cassava. Biotechnology is to be applied as the core inincreasing productivity, breeding plants and livestock to suit thecultivating environment, reducing chemicals, and raising quality tomeet the ever-changing market needs.To develop and use the potential of biotechnology for quick, precise,and specific detection and diagnosis in managing food and seedsafety by setting up a biotechnology laboratory to certify qualityand standards for export products, as well as inspection of importedproducts.To shift the emphasis on the current role as a contract seed producerto a main player in both developing and producing new variety forexport.To expedite development of new lines of marine products to providesupplements and alternatives to existing products (shrimp).To develop technology and related business services in post-harvestand packaging technology to prolong shelf-life of agricultural products.To conduct research to collect scientific data needed in riskassessment of food and agricultural products for export, which willeventually enable Thailand to set standards for products where thecountry is the leading exporter.To prepare and utilize (scientific) data in decision-making, layingdown key measures, and negotiating or solving trade barrierproblems.


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Measures that should be carried out immediately:Identify appropriate host who will be responsible for organizing theresearch clusters for key agricultural industries, such as rice, shrimp,seed and cassava and allocate resources appropriately.Utilize biotechnology to develop and produce biocontrol agents forpest management to significantly reduce usage of chemicals.Enhance capability in inspecting and certifying food quality,standards and safety, together with organizing a support-system forinspection and certification of quality and safety.Systematize scientific data on food and agricultural products forexport by using the cluster as the coordinating point, organizingdata and knowledge management systems to be used in tradenegotiation with major markets.Develop a clear policy on genetic engineering, genetically modifiedorganisms and transgenics for Thailand.Set up traceability systems for key export products/goods to supportinspection and certification of quality and safety.Lay down a clear joint policy and implementation strategy amongstdifferent organizations ranging from research level to utilization.

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Goal No. 3: �Thailand Represents Healthy Community and Healthcare Centerof Asia�Utilize biotechnology as the core technology to realize the followingtwo objectives:1. Improve the quality of life and health of Thai people.2. Thailand to become �the healthcare center of Asia�.

Key strategies are:To invest in research and development for tropical diseases such asdengue fever, malaria and some genetic diseases such asthalassemia, that will lead to protection, reduction of cost for patienttreatment and care, prevention of epidemics caused by populationmobility in the border areas.To promote premium healthcare products made from localingredients, such as herbal products of international standard,bioactive compounds from plants and microorganisms, diagnosticagents and healthcare products that are backed up by scientificdata and clinical testing results as to their efficacy and safety thatwill help substitute imported products and promote a healthy andself-reliant society, together with increasing exports to regionalmarkets.To make use of foreign policy in assisting neighboring countries inpublic health and medical care, which will in turn enable greatermarket access for Thai-developed products and services across theAsian region, and other regions.To reinforce the government�s role in assisting the global communitythrough partnership with foreign organizations that mobilize capital tosupport tropical disease research, thereby enabling Thailand to functionas the research and development base for the development of tropicaldisease-related products.To establish the necessary infrastructure and human resources inbiomedical science as a mechanism to stimulate investment and transferof modern biotechnology such as genomics and bioinformatics thatwill fortify the objective of becoming a center for healthcare businessand a center for clinical trial of medical products.To support the establishment of new companies related to test kits/diagnostic kits and genetic testing service business to substituteimported products and services.


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To establish appropriate management mechanisms and implementationstrategies in bioethical, legal and societal issues in a well-balancedmanner.Measures that should be carried out immediately include:Promote the development of user-friendly health-related testingdevices that will improve the quality of life for the community.Establish infrastructure and human resources for development ofnew biotechnology, such as genomics and bioinformatics, therebyencouraging investment in life sciences.Produce diagnostic agents and healthcare products that are supportedby clinical testing guaranteeing their efficacy and safety.Set up a national working group on bioethical and legal issues.


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Goal No. 4:�Utilization of Biotechnology to Conserve theEnvironment and to Produce Clean Energy�Utilize biotechnology to improve the environment and strengthenenergy security with the following objectives:To produce energy from agricultural wastes, waste and wastewaterfrom food/agriculture industries, including solid wastes.To utilize biotechnology in improving soil quality by developingbiomass and biofertilizer to strengthen soil composition, fertility andorganic materials appropriate for soil microorganism growth. Thesewill raise the yield of agricultural products and reduce chemicalusage for pest management at an appropriate level, thereby reducingpollution and erosion problems related to soil and water.To utilize biosensors in inspection, surveillance, treatment andrehabilitation of the environment as well as monitoring substancesthat may cause pollution, for the benefit of management.To develop technology for prevention, treatment, rehabilitation andrecycling of materials for the environment, such as biodegradablefood packaging in substitution of plastics, to prepare for �Green andClean� measures adopted by importers of Thai products.

Key strategies are:To set up commonly agreed targets among key organizations, namelyMinistry of Energy, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment,Ministry of Industry and Ministry of Science and Technology,amending laws, rules and regulations to accommodate investmentin waste treatment and implementing measure for business returnthat may reduce waste and promote renewable energy.To initiate financial and taxation policy and measures, including low-interest-rate loans with no-interest grace period as incentives forprivate sector to invest in transforming waste into energy, especiallyin agriculture/livestock industry, which produces an abundance ofwaste while remaining a high energy consumer. This will eventuallylead to a reduction of production costs and a solution to trade barriersusing environmental criteria.To initiate policy to determine return of investment and pay backperiod by including consideration of environmental returns, apartfrom just economic returns.


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To establish environmental standards for manufacturing and businesssectors and initiate incentive measures to put the standards intopractice.To develop new technology for environment protection, especiallyfor prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and recycling of wastematerials and by products.To support development and usage of biofertilizer and other organicproducts, including biocontrol agents as substitution for chemicalusage for pest management to rehabilitate soil quality.Measures that should be carried out immediately:Set up common policy amongst Ministry of Energy, Ministry ofNatural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Industry andMinistry of Science and Technology.Support loans for food industry factories and livestock farms toinstall appropriate systems for waste treatment and powergeneration, including excess sale to the grid.Modify the concept of cost-benefit calculation of energy sources toinclude environment-protection effects as a return on investment,thereby creating incentives to invest in waste treatment andsubstitute energy generation.Promote manufacturing and usage of biodegradable plastic bothfor use domestically and packaging for export.Promote utilization of biofertilizers and biocontrol agents insubstitution for chemicals used for soil quality improvement andpest management.


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Goal No. 5: �Biotechnology as the Key Factor for Self-SufficientEconomy�The primary goal is to conserve and make best use of biologicalresources that are important to, or specific in, each local community.Biotechnology can be used to extend local wisdom, expand the diversity ofproducts and value of local resources, as well as enhance local productquality.Key strategies are:To provide quality and safety enhancement system for communitygoods, together with innovation in manufacturing of novel products,organic agriculture at the local level, use of starter cultures in theproduction of fermented food, biofertilizers, probiotics, and pest-control microorganisms.To utilize biotechnology as core technology to increase value ofcommunity goods, such as premium herbal products, food products,propagation of ornamental plants and disease-free tubers.To create �local bioresource mapping� in the form of location andtraditional knowledge, along with conducting in-depth studies e.g. onchemicals in plants and microorganisms by development of a virtualnetwork with data ready to be transformed into property or leadingto development of new medicine, functional foods, herbal productsand health supplement products. Studies also to be conducted onlocal plant genetics to help developing new plant varieties of higheconomic value.To develop local sites of abundant natural resources into places forlocal communities to learn natural science and for field research byscientific community, in order to speed up data collection and thetransformation of the country into scientific society at all levels, aswell as to conserve natural resources for sustainable use.

Measures that should be carried out immediately:Provide training system on food safety for local communities.Provide inspection mechanism for quality standards of localcommunity goods by enhancing local academic institutions to providedata, technology, and inspection/analysis of quality and safety ofcommunity goods.


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Expedite establishment and development of community businessnetwork that focuses on conservation along with utilization ofindigenous resource such as herbal plants, orchids, flowering andornamental plants.Promote efficient community access to biotechnology for use inlocal plant propagation and breeding, which will be utilized as rawmaterials for the manufacturing of community goods.Support establishment of environmental standards in themanufacturing of community goods.


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Goal No. 6:�Development of Qualified Human Resource System�In order to achieve all the afore-mentioned goals, �quality ofworkforce� is essential, with the following goals set:No less than 5,000 personnel engaged as professional biotechnologyresearchers in the public and private sectors.No less than 500 personnel engaged in biotechnology management.No less than 10,000 students at the level of bachelor, master anddoctoral degree in fields related to biotechnology.

Key strategies are:To compile data on personnel with competency in biotechnology bypreparing a directory of 5,000 top researchers, biotechnologycompanies and research institutes. The data will be used for planning/decision-making at policy level, research management level,formulating research networks and bio-business.To create an attractive atmosphere for research and developmentby formulating research towns/ research communities such asBiotechnology Parks, build career path for researchers and theirplace in Thai society that is recognized, respected and well-paid ona par with other occupations. Reorganize research managementsystems in the country as a mechanism to both support and monitorresearchers� work and output.To persuade foreign experts in biotechnology to conduct researchand development in Thailand, particularly in areas where the countrycurrently lacks sufficient expertise.To utilize a tripartite strategy i.e. enhancing cooperation amongresearch institutes, universities and the private sector to develophuman resources and research outputs for the development of thecountry. This can be done through the application of on-the-job trainingthat will provide a skilled workforce for the private sector, bothdomestic and foreign, that has invested in research and developmentin the country.To expedite the development of those technologies with high priorityboth in terms of infrastructure and human resources, such asgenomics and bioinformatics, entrepreneurship, management, as wellas experts in bioethics, law, technology and negotiation.


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Measures that should be carried out immediately:Compile and maintain data on 5,000 top biotechnology personneland research networks, including biotechnology companies anddomestic research institutes. Devise a mechanism to promote theemergence of biotechnology research networks that will join forcesin terms of human resources and budget for new knowledge creationand conduct of high quality research that is beneficial to the country.Utilize a tripartite strategy i.e. enhancing cooperation amongst thepublic sector, private sector and academic/knowledge institutionsand utilize on-the-job training, as part of the strategy built into projectsto create graduates in master degree and doctoral levels. Shift therole of the private sector to be the leader in proposing researchquestions as a tool to create qualified human resources. Two levelsof action are to be carried out in parallel: at the domestic level byfocusing on the private sector�s research problems and at theinternational level by using research collaboration as a mechanismto transfer new technologies from overseas research institutes andprivate sector into the country, together with creating a new breedof qualified personnel.Create a system and environment conducive to recruitment of foreignpersonnel to conduct biotechnology research and development inThailand as deemed necessary, especially in the areas where thecountry lacks expertise.Conditions and Overall Strategies for SuccessUtilize biotechnology as a major component in the formulation ofnational policy, e.g. industrial policy, agricultural policy, public healthpolicy and energy and environment policy. Names of key person(s)/organizations in charge and person(s)/organizations who have jointresponsibility are to be clearly identified.Initiate policy to promote venture capital, thereby encouraginginvestment in research and development and production of novelbiotechnology products. These are expected to result in emergenceof a bio-business sector on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.Develop qualified human resources, especially researchers inmodern biotechnology as mentioned in Goal No.6.Establish infrastructure to support and strengthen core researchand development activities, such as those in the fields of genomics,bioinformatics, genetic engineering, genetic testing, breeding andselection using molecular markers. Database of competent personnelin the form of a virtual network will need to be developed, together


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with enhancement of existing organizational competency andstrengthening of linkages amongst organizations to achieve a holisticapproach.Prepare a technology acquisition plan by using strategic cooperationwith international partners with emphasis on maintaining well-balanced benefit sharing.Strengthen efficiency of management, such as intellectual propertymanagement, research management, new business management,including competency in international negotiation for fair benefitsharing and technology transfer.Initiate measures to prepare society for new knowledge, greaterunderstanding of biotechnology and its benefits and guidelines inbioethical issues that follow and reflect the culture and values ofThai society.Expected Economic ImpactNo less than 5 billion Baht of investment in bioscience andbiotechnology research and development through emergence of newbio-business, both locally and from abroad, thereby creating 100 newcompanies in bio-business and generating total revenue of 30 billionBaht.Export value of agricultural and food products increase from 400billion Baht in 2002 to 1.2 trillion Baht in 2009, maintaining theminimum employment of 600,000 jobs, and also maintaining a leadingposition in the export of key products, such as shrimp, rice, etc.Decrease in import value of healthcare products, such as diagnostickits, medical supplies, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals at about 15.5billion Baht.Prevent an economic loss of 32 billion Baht per year from the majordiseases that severely affect Thai people.Saving of 22 billion Baht worth of energy per year by producingrenewable energy from agricultural materials and waste/garbage.This type of recycling technology will also help lower internationaltrade barriers.At least 5 billion Baht increase of revenue to local communitiesfrom the sale of their agricultural and food products.Strength in bioscience and biotechnology will enable the country tomaintain its economic competitiveness and lead in selected productsin a sustainable manner.


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Societal and Environmental ImpactsRaise the quality of living for Thai people, in terms of health andwelfare, knowledge, income and distribution of income, strong familyunits and self-reliant communities.Self-sufficient economy prevails in the local community due to thecapability to generate income by adding value to local resourcesand at the same time conserving and managing their natural resourcesfor sustainable use.Environment and bioresources are conserved and rehabilitated fromstate of erosion and deterioration.Thai society is equipped with qualified personnel with high potential,which is considered as intellectual capital for developing a knowledge-based economy.Key areas of implementation that will transform policy initiativesinto practice1. Identify host for each goal: The appropriate host should fulfill thefollowing conditions or qualification.


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Need not be a conventional authoritative body, but can be aperson or a group of people knowledgeable and experiencedenough with the particular goal, flexible enough to perform therole of host and achieve the goal.Possess strong leadership. In case of an organization, it shouldhave a strong leader respected and recognized by relevantparties.Possess high competency to assume the central role incooperating with other parties, having strong networks in thespecific field and good linkage with the private/business sector.Be knowledgeable in biotechnology, either directly in researchand development, management of research and development,business and industry development, policy study and decision-making, or indirectly by involvement as a user of biotechnology.2. Develop infrastructurePalpable infrastructure for research and development, i.e.workplace that links public sector, private sector and academicinstitutions following the cluster concept, such as biotechnologyparks.Legal infrastructure, e.g. laws and enactment of laws regardingbiosafety, conservation and utilization of biological resourcesand biotechnology-related intellectual property, etc.3. Resource allocationIn developing biotechnology for the country, it is essential to investin many areas such as infrastructure development, research anddevelopment, support of business development, joint ventures withforeign companies, human resource development, etc. Focus is tobe placed on joint investment carried out by the public sector andprivate sector both Thai and foreign. In the initial phase, the majorproportion of investment may come from the Thai government, butlater on investment from the Thai private sector and foreign sourcesis to be gradually increased. By the year 2011, the proportion ofinvestment will be 50:50 (Thai government : Thai and foreign privatesector). In addition, if Thailand is to reap the genuine socioeconomicbenefit of investment in biotechnology, it should invest in researchand development in this field at least one third of total budget forscience and technology research, or approximately 16.5 billion Bahtannually.


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4. Implementing the six goalsThe lead host and relevant parties should cooperatively implementthe strategy to achieve the milestones and the final goal. The leadhost is expected to carry out the implementation through partnershipwith the National Biotechnology Policy Committee. The lead hostis required to have a mechanism that will monitor and evaluateproject/program implementation by relevant parties, in order to assessits success, quality of work and practicality by examining the outputsand results of the project. This will enable the lead host to adjust itsstrategy and implementation to suit the changing environment. Thelead host will function as a learning center for involved parties tocontinually develop their capacity and to prepare progressive,forward-looking plans.5. Monitoring of progress and evaluation of implementationA mechanism to monitor and evaluate progress should be put inplace by examination at both the overall level and in detail for someparticular issues. The monitoring and evaluation process will beginreviewing this policy framework/roadmap commencing in the 4thyear of implementation. This will assist with revising thebiotechnology policy framework and formulating a policy plan forthe ensuing 8-year period. In addition, in the event of any unexpectedsituation that affects the policy framework, revision can be madeahead of the schedule. A further mechanism to monitor the changesin technology and status of the country relevant to the rest of theworld, in terms of economy (including key exports), society, politicsand technology should be put in place in order to adjust policy andstrategies in an appropriate and timely manner to cope with thechanging situation, domestically and globally. As such, a monitoringand evaluation working group, consisting of experts in various fieldsand including private sector is to be appointed by the NationalBiotechnology Policy Committee. Together with the secretariat ofthe Policy Committee, they will function as the core team forcooperation in collecting, processing and analyzing opinions andrecommendations and subsequently report their findings to theNational Biotechnology Policy Committee.

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