University–Industry Linkages and Economic Development: The Case of Thailand

SummaryThis article analyzes university–industry linkages (UILs) in Thailand at the national level and in four sectors (automotive, textiles–garments, agro-industry, and electronics). Public officials and firm managers recognize the importance of UILs for meeting challenges facing Thai producers. But with interesting exceptions, Thai UILs are frail. This is due to protection and low levels of innovation resulting in few private sector efforts to link up with universities; rigid structures and weak incentives in the Thai universities discouraging ties with business; and generally fragmented Thai bureaucracy. Underlying these obstacles is inconsistent support for UILs on the part of political leaders.