The newly established centre aims to elevate the Greater Mekong Subregion onto the global stage through advanced research and academic services.

The Faculty of Economics at Khon Kaen University has officially announced the launch of its new academic and research hub, the “Global Research and Learning Center for the Development of GMS and Related Economic Regions.” This international centre is established to generate high-quality research, advance academic services, and cultivate comprehensive knowledge. Its primary goal is to drive economic progress, social development, and long-term sustainability across the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) and its interconnected economic zones, ultimately projecting these advancements onto the global stage.

As an international academic and research hub, the centre systematically integrates research, teaching, and academic services to foster sustainable innovation. This comprehensive approach is designed to meet the evolving needs of policy-makers, business sectors, and civil society groups throughout the GMS and related economic regions.

Associate Professor Suthin Wianwiwat, Dean of the Faculty of Economics at Khon Kaen University, stated:

“The launch of the Global Research and Learning Center for the Development of GMS and Related Economic Regions marks a significant milestone for the Faculty of Economics at Khon Kaen University as we elevate our academic role onto the international stage. This centre will serve as a vital mechanism in driving high-quality research that directly addresses the economic and social development challenges of the GMS. This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision to be a leading school of economics in the GMS, renowned for excellence in applied economics.”

The Dean further emphasised that the centre will function as a strategic bridge connecting academic expertise with practical policy formulation and commercial application at local, national, and international levels. By building strong collaborative networks with premier research institutes and universities worldwide, the centre aims to strengthen the economic resilience and sustainable development of the GMS across all dimensions.

The Global Research and Learning Center for the Development of GMS and Related Economic Regions will focus on five core missions:

• Building academic networks: Establishing local and international partnerships to strengthen research capacity and facilitate global knowledge exchange.

• Promoting international research: Producing high-quality, impactful research that achieves international recognition.

• Supporting policy development and regional sustainability: Applying economic insights to shape public policies that effectively respond to regional demands.

• Developing curricula and lifelong learning programmes: Enhancing human capital by offering educational opportunities for professionals and learners of all age groups.

• Translating knowledge into societal impact: Ensuring that research outcomes and academic services generate tangible benefits for socioeconomic development.

To achieve these goals, the centre has structured its research and learning frameworks around three strategic pillars. The first pillar focuses on GMS Trade, Logistics, and Cross-Border Digital Economy, which examines commerce, supply chains, and digital economic integration across borders. The second pillar addresses ESG, Low-Carbon Economy, and Social Outcomes, prioritising sustainable growth through environmental, social, and governance frameworks. The third pillar utilizes Behavioral Economics for Policy and Service Design, applying behavioral insights to optimize public policy and the design of public services.

The establishment of this centre reflects the steadfast commitment of the Faculty of Economics at Khon Kaen University to serve as an international academic hub that generates sustainable solutions for the subregion. KKU cordially invites public institutions, the private sector, academic entities, and international organisations to collaborate in this research and learning ecosystem, working together to enhance the potential of the GMS and related economic regions globally.