Although it has only recently launched, the Open Innovation Center by SCG has already generated significant buzz in the innovation sector. This is not only due to SCG's commitment to reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable innovation within the ASEAN region, but also because this center represents a new chapter in the history of innovation. Let's explore why this is the case.

Reason 1: It serves as a hub for collaboration in research and innovation development with all organizations, aiming to create future innovations that enhance the quality of life for consumers, society, and the environment. The center spans over 1,600 square meters, divided into four main zones: 1) An exhibition zone to showcase research outcomes between SCG researchers and partners, 2) A seminar and meeting room zone for knowledge exchange among researchers, 3) A laboratory for technology developers to conduct research and development, and 4) An office zone for SCG's researchers and staff.

Reason 2: It is located in the heart of future innovation—the Thailand Science Park, operated by the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), which is the largest research and development center in the country. With over 3,000 researchers, it provides an opportunity for everyone to exchange experiences and ideas. If research aligns with SCG's business direction, which focuses on improving consumer quality of life, it can lead to tangible innovations for the future. Additionally, SCG has established a network of networks with NSTDA to develop products and innovations that expand business opportunities.

However, new innovations cannot emerge without well-equipped laboratories. Therefore, Reason 3 is the availability of laboratories for testing concepts or prototypes to assess their technical feasibility before passing them on to business units equipped with comprehensive tools.

Reason 4: Another highlight is the exhibition of innovative works to build upon research. This concept emphasizes that the center should not be limited to researchers alone but should also be open to those seeking knowledge in new innovations. This section is divided into five sub-zones: 1) Inspiration starts here, showcasing SCG's over 100-year history, 2) Performance+, displaying SCG's outstanding innovations such as Sea Cement, a concrete mix that uses seawater and sand without causing corrosion in steel reinforcement, 3) Design for Sustainability, focusing on environmentally friendly materials and product design, 4) Moving Edge, which emphasizes developing solutions to deliver new experiences to partners and consumers, and 5) Drawing the Future Together, which expands research and development networks across all sectors to push research into practical commercial applications through 60 Technology Platforms.

Finally, Reason 5 is the support for a global startup network that owns intellectual property in science and technology through the Accelerator program, aimed at co-developing high-potential innovations with SCG in the areas of Materials, Clean Technology, Well Being, and Sensor & IoT, paving the way for future business collaborations.

With all this in mind, it is exciting for researchers who will have support to turn their research into tangible outcomes, as well as for students, organizations, and anyone seeking knowledge in new innovations who will gain access to another valuable resource. If you want to see whether this center can truly transform the innovation landscape, I encourage you to visit the Open Innovation Center by SCG. It is open for visits every Monday to Friday (except public holidays) from 09:00 to 16:30.

Thank you for the information from www.scg.com