KKU Welcomes Navamindradhiraj University to Exchange Research and Innovation Management Knowledge, Fostering Collaborative Networks for Sustainable Development
The institutional visit strengthens academic collaboration and enhances the research ecosystem to drive national socioeconomic growth.
Khon Kaen University (KKU) recently welcomed a delegation of executives and personnel from Navamindradhiraj University, led by Associate Professor Pongasak Noyapayak, President of Navamindradhiraj University. The institutional visit and knowledge exchange on research and innovation management took place on 14 July 2026. The initiative aimed to strengthen collaborative networks, exchange core knowledge, and share research experiences, establishing a vital foundation for advancing sustainable economic, social, and national development.
Professor Pewpan Maleewong, M.D., Vice President for Research and Innovation at Khon Kaen University
The event provided a collaborative platform for both institutions to exchange concepts and best practices on research and innovation management. Professor Pewpan Maleewong, MD, Vice President for Research and Innovation at Khon Kaen University, presented a comprehensive overview of KKU’s research strategy. The Vice President also discussed how KKU is developing a robust research ecosystem to address national priorities by creating tangible, practical knowledge and innovation.
Professor Thidarut Boonmars, Ph.D., Vice President for Enterprise and Societal Sustainability at Khon Kaen University
Furthermore, Professor Thidarut Boonmars, Ph.D., Vice President for Enterprise and Societal Sustainability, participated in the session to share institutional experiences in driving enterprise and sustainable development. The Vice President highlighted strategies for translating university knowledge, technology, and innovation into economic and social utility. This is achieved through multi-sectoral partnerships, technology transfer, and the development of targeted innovations that directly respond to the needs of local communities and the nation.
Associate Professor Pongasak Noyapayak President of Navamindradhiraj University
The delegation also received a comprehensive briefing on the operations of the Intellectual Property Centre at Khon Kaen University. The presentation covered intellectual property management, research protection, patent and petty patent registration processes, and commercial technology transfer mechanisms, all of which serve as crucial instruments for adding value to research outputs and driving the national innovation-based economy.
Following the knowledge exchange session, the delegation visited the Faculty of Medicine at Khon Kaen University to observe advancements in medical innovation and the integration of research into healthcare delivery systems. They also toured the KKU Science Park to study its innovation ecosystem, technology entrepreneurship and start-up incubation schemes, and the university-industry collaboration models that successfully propel academic research into commercial application.
This study visit highlights Khon Kaen University’s role as a leading research institution dedicated to generating knowledge, fostering innovation, and building robust networks both domestically and internationally. These efforts aim to drive sustainable development in society and the economy, and to improve the quality of public life. This aligns seamlessly with the mission of the Enterprise and Societal Sustainability section to promote the application of university knowledge and innovation to create a positive impact on society and the nation.
Moreover, these collaborative efforts actively support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting knowledge exchange and research capacity building; SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by fostering research, safeguarding intellectual property, and transferring technology for practical utility; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by cultivating collaborative networks between higher education institutions to jointly drive national progress founded on sustainable knowledge and innovation.
