Page 335 - Social Enterprise A New Business Paradigm for Thailand

3. Eligible Funding Recipients

(1) Social enterprises in Thailand that meet the definitions specified above.

(2) Researchers, technologists, and innovators working in collaboration with social

enterprises, with the enterprise serving as a co-recipient of the funding.

(3) Community enterprises aiming to transition into social enterprises, particularly those
facing technological or market-related challenges requiring improvement.

(4) Support organizations, such as academic institutions, foundations, or incubators, with a
track record of working with social enterprises or vulnerable groups. These organizations
must apply for funding in partnership with a social enterprise that will serve as the primary
beneficiary of the research.

4. Implementation Plan (5 Years)

4.1) Phase 1: Assessment, Evaluation, and Needs Analysis

(1) Assess existing research outputs, innovations, inventions, and both registered and
unregistered intellectual property held by the National Research Council of Thailand
(NRCT) to identify those with potential to be developed into social enterprises. The
assessment will consider technological and market feasibility across sectors such as
agriculture, health, education, natural resources, and the environment, with the goal of
compiling a list of transferrable technologies.

(2) Study social innovations, such as public policy instruments, regulatory tools, and
government mechanisms, that could contribute to the development of social

enterprises (SEs) and strengthen the SE ecosystem.

(3) Organize focus groups with SEs across different industries to exchange experiences
and facilitate matchmaking between SEs and researchers or innovators with relevant
outputs.

(4) Screen and provide seed funding to selected recipients for advancement into the
next phase.

This phase should be completed within one year, with an estimated budget of 30 million
baht.

4.2) Phase 2: Research and Development

(1) Use findings from Phase 1 to identify and prioritize challenges, and convene focus
groups with SEs, researchers, and end-users to promote practical application of
innovations.

(2) Establish co-research teams comprising researchers, engineers, designers, and SE
representatives.
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