29-30 May 2008
TCDC 6 fl, Emporium Shopping Complex
When China and India stepped up to become the world’s manufacturer and IT provider, the competitive edge in terms of mass-production cost and technology of many countries began to diminish. These countries have to face extensive pressure which forces them to adjust their strategies in order to survive. Thailand is one of them as it has heavily relied on export and low-cost production for the past three decades.
Although many countries recognize knowledge as a critical factor in generating wealth instead of labor, in the 21st century only knowledge is not enough to compete and generate income. It must be combined with creativity of individuals or communities who can figure out how to use knowledge to create products or innovation.
The creative economy came about under the changing circumstance. Its goal remains the same as that of the knowledge economy: to generate wealth.
Many countries nowadays have formulated policies to support the knowledge and creativity economies. These systems are different from the previous ones as they demand individuals with creativity to participate as a major driving force.
TCDC, a state agency whose main duty is to support design and creativity, held a seminar called “Creative Thailand: Building the Thai economy with creativity” as a starting point to stimulate interest from other state agencies, entrepreneurs and related parties; and guide them to recognize the importance and understand the development plan of the creative economy in Thailand, which will give Thailand a competitive edge and help it survive in the global market.
Translated by Siritharin Chareonsiri
