The initiative under the ‘Adaptive SME’ project empowers early-stage entrepreneurs to achieve sustainable growth through digital technology.
The Faculty of Economics at Khon Kaen University, in partnership with the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP) and its joint implementation partners, has launched the “Adaptive SME: Fast Adaptation, Moving Forward with Digital Technology” project for the fiscal year 2026. The initiative commenced with its inaugural event, “Business Matching: Opportunities for Business Expansion”, held on Friday, 5 June 2026, at the 1st Floor Promotion Zone of Central Khon Kaen. The event aims to upgrade small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) nationwide, enabling them to adapt and achieve sustainable growth through the strategic integration of digital technology.
The “Adaptive SME: Fast Adaptation, Moving Forward with Digital Technology” project is established to develop early-stage entrepreneurs, enhance business standards, and promote the efficient application of digital technology in management. Furthermore, the project serves as a vital link to market opportunities, funding sources, and business networks, thereby enhancing the long-term competitiveness of Thai SMEs. As the flagship event of the project, this business matching activity offers a premier platform for entrepreneurs to connect with potential commercial partners, supporting agencies, financial institutions, industry experts, and relevant business networks.
Mr. Yuthaporn Piroonsarn, the Vice Governor of Khon Kaen Province, presided over the opening ceremony and stated that Khon Kaen Province is fully prepared to support the development of SMEs in all dimensions. He noted that the Adaptive SME project represents a significant opportunity for entrepreneurs in Khon Kaen and the broader northeastern region to tangibly enhance their potential. This includes adopting digital technology, accessing financial resources, and building robust business networks, all of which serve as a foundational pillar for driving the grassroots economy of both the region and the country forward.
Ms. Phatchaneekan Nakbua, the Director of the SME Service Provider Network Coordination and Government Policy Promotion Department at OSMEP, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to promoting and developing Thai SMEs so they can successfully adapt and thrive in the digital era. She added that the collaboration on the Adaptive SME project with the Faculty of Economics at Khon Kaen University is highly valuable. This partnership seamlessly integrates academic expertise with public policy promotion to generate concrete and practical benefits for SMEs.
Assistant Professor Prasert Wijitnopparat, the Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, Academic Services, and Corporate Communications at the Faculty of Economics, Khon Kaen University, serving as the Project Head, reported on the objectives of the event. He stated that the Faculty of Economics holds a core mission to utilise academic knowledge for the socio-economic development of the nation. The Adaptive SME project serves as a tangible expression of this commitment, aiming to empower entrepreneurs to expand their businesses, seize new opportunities, and effectively drive the nation’s grassroots economy in a sustainable manner.
The “Business Matching: Opportunities for Business Expansion” activity in Khon Kaen marks the official commencement of the Adaptive SME project for the fiscal year 2026, which is scheduled to expand its operations to various regions across the country. The ultimate goal remains to elevate the capabilities of Thai SMEs, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate digital challenges, secure business opportunities, and achieve sustainable growth, thereby contributing positively to the long-term development of the local economy and the nation.
