Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Economics works alongside network alliances and the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP) to empower over 1,000 emerging entrepreneurs across three key sectors through intensive digital transformation.

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11 February 2026 – Assistant Professor Prasert Vijitnopparat, Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, Academic Services, and Corporate Communication at the Faculty of Economics, Khon Kaen University (KKU), attended a press conference as the Head of the Project to officially announce the launch of the “Adaptive SME: Adjust Fast, Go Further with Digital Technology” Project for the fiscal year 2026. The launch and press briefing, attended by media nationwide, were presided over by Dr. Panita Shinawatra, Acting Director-General of the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP).

The Faculty of Economics, Khon Kaen University, and its network partners, in collaboration with OSMEP, established the “Adaptive SME: Adjust Fast, Go Further with Digital Technology” Project for fiscal year 2026. The primary objective is to upgrade and develop new-generation SME entrepreneurs, empowering them to become professionals. The project promotes the application of digital technology and innovation in business operations, encouraging entrepreneurs to adapt and compete in volatile economic times. Furthermore, it aims to foster linkages between entrepreneurs and sources of funding, markets, and business networks, leading to the sustainable growth of SMEs as vital drivers of the national economy.

 

Dr. Panita Shinawatra, Acting Director-General of OSMEP, remarked, “On behalf of the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion, I welcome everyone to this press conference for the Adaptive SME Project. This is a crucial initiative designed to help Thai SMEs keep pace with the rapidly changing environment of the digital business world. The SME sector plays an extremely important role in the Thai economy, accounting for over 99 per cent of all businesses and employing over 70 per cent of the country’s workforce. Therefore, strengthening SMEs and enhancing their adaptability is a core mission for OSMEP.”

Dr. Panita added that the Adaptive SME Project specifically focuses on supporting nascent entrepreneurs—a group with high potential, but one that often lacks the necessary knowledge, skills, and networks. “We will ensure they receive rigorous and systematic development, starting from mindset transformation and business registration, through to in-depth business diagnosis and model development, real market testing, and linkage with funding sources. Our goal is to create professional entrepreneurs who can survive and grow sustainably amidst economic volatility. OSMEP would like to thank the Faculty of Economics, Khon Kaen University, and all our network partners for helping drive this project to success.”

               

Assistant Professor Prasert Vijitnopparat, Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, Academic Services, and Corporate Communication at the Faculty of Economics, Khon Kaen University, and Head of the Adaptive SME Project, stated, “The Faculty of Economics, Khon Kaen University, is profoundly honoured to be entrusted by OSMEP to execute this Adaptive SME Project. We have mobilised network partners with specialised expertise and experience in SME development from across the country to create a high-quality curriculum and development process that genuinely addresses the needs of entrepreneurs. This project is not merely a training course; it is an intensive, continuous development pathway, from changing mindsets to connecting enterprises with real markets and funding sources.”

Assistant Professor Prasert further elaborated that the programme targets supporting over 1,000 entrepreneurs nationwide across three high-potential industry groups: Agriculture and Processed Food (Smart Farming), Tourism and Services, and Modern Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG).

“We will utilise four key development mechanisms: Intensive Boot Camp to adjust mindsets and support legal registration; Deep Diagnostic & Consulting for in-depth business diagnosis and digital integration; Rigorous Market Testing, featuring six real market tests nationwide; and Strategic Connectivity, facilitating business matches and linking enterprises to funding for sustainable growth. We are confident that entrepreneurs who complete this project will be fully equipped to compete and genuinely add value to their businesses and the national economy.”

The Adaptive SME Project aims to foster “Connected Growth” for nascent entrepreneurs (operating for no more than three years) or those intending to secure legal entity registration. It supports their transition toward becoming professional entrepreneurs capable of navigating global economic fluctuations. The project will assist over 1,000 participants across the three target groups:

1. Agriculture and Processed Food (Smart Farming): Focuses on entrepreneurs involved in modern agriculture and agricultural product processing, integrating digital technologies, IoT, and innovations into production, management, and marketing.
2. Tourism and Services: Develops entrepreneurs in tourism, accommodation, restaurants, and other service industries, enabling them to transition into the digital era with modern management systems and the ability to create excellent customer experiences.
3. Modern Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG): Promotes entrepreneurs who produce and distribute consumer goods catering to contemporary lifestyles, emphasising value creation, the use of digital channels, and building strong brands.

The intensive programme is driven through four core mechanisms:

1. Intensive Boot Camp: Provides rigorous training to shift the mindset of participants from small business owners to professional entrepreneurs. Topics cover business thinking, strategic planning, financial management, digital marketing, and business law, along with support for formal business registration as a legal entity.
2. Deep Diagnostic & Consulting: Involves in-depth business diagnosis by expert consultants to explore the business’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This is followed by specialised consulting and tailoring a business development plan, with an emphasis on applying innovation and digital technology, such as e-Commerce systems, CRM, data analytics, and various digital tools.
3. Rigorous Market Testing: Organises six real market testing events across six regions nationwide. This allows entrepreneurs to bring their products and services to market, receive immediate customer feedback, and refine offerings to match market demand. This activity also serves as an opportunity for networking and brand promotion.
4. Strategic Connectivity: Facilitates business matching between entrepreneurs and major buyers, department stores, online platforms, and business partners. It also links enterprises to various funding sources, both public and private, including financial institutions, SME promotion funds, investors, and Venture Capital, ensuring entrepreneurs access the capital and business opportunities necessary for sustainable growth.

Interested entrepreneurs are invited to apply for the programme immediately. Further details can be obtained from the Faculty of Economics, Khon Kaen University, or via the project’s website and communication channels. Eligibility criteria require applicants to be nascent entrepreneurs (operating for no more than three years) or those seeking legal entity registration, operating within the three specified target groups, and demonstrating a strong commitment to business development and continuous participation in project activities.

The “Adaptive SME: Adjust Fast, Go Further with Digital Technology” Project is anticipated to generate significant positive economic impact on the Thai economy, through the creation of quality professional entrepreneurs, the elevation of digital business standards, job and income generation, and the enhancement of grassroots economic resilience.