Thailand Launches AI Readiness Index to Enhance Business Competitiveness

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) has partnered with AIS Academy and IRIS Consulting to launch the Thailand AI Readiness Index (TARI). This initiative marks the first comprehensive tool designed to assess the readiness of Thai organizations to adopt artificial intelligence (AI), with the goal of enhancing their competitiveness.

According to MHESI Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat, the initiative is crucial as AI evolves into a strategic force impacting national development across various sectors, including the economy and workforce. The findings from the TARI assessments are expected to be released in December 2023, with participating organizations receiving an AI Capability Report by 2027.

“AI is no longer just a technology; it is a strategic force shaping national development across the economy, industry, innovation and the workforce.”Yodchanan Wongsawat, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation

Strategic Importance of AI

The initiative comes at a time when Thailand faces significant global challenges, such as technological competition and an aging population. Minister Yodchanan emphasized that to navigate these disruptions, the country must enhance its data capabilities, including developing local technology structures and data centers.

“Thailand cannot rely solely on foreign technology and infrastructure,” he stated, highlighting the need for homegrown solutions to build resilience and innovation. The initiative aims to position Thailand as a cost-effective hub for technology and data services in Southeast Asia.

Framework for Assessment

TARI is structured to provide a detailed assessment across eight dimensions, including AI strategy, data management, and organizational culture. This framework is intended to help organizations identify gaps in their AI readiness and develop targeted strategies for improvement.

Chatchai Khunpitiluck from AIS Academy noted that the TARI assessments will be conducted biannually, allowing organizations to benchmark their AI readiness against industry peers and the national average. This benchmarking is expected to facilitate a clearer understanding of where organizations stand in their AI journey.

Engagement and Participation

Over 40 leading organizations have already joined as pioneers in the TARI initiative, with plans to expand participation to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and supply chains. The goal is to engage 5,000 participants in the first year and 20,000 in subsequent phases.

Boriwat Pinpradab, chairman of IRIS Consulting, pointed out that many organizations are eager to adopt AI but are often uncertain about where to start. The standardized assessment tool provided by TARI aims to address this uncertainty, helping organizations navigate the complexities of AI adoption.

Free Access to Assessments

Organizations will have access to the AI readiness assessments at no cost, a significant advantage considering that similar assessments are typically offered as paid services. This initiative is designed to support organizations in balancing the risks and benefits of AI investments, ensuring foundational elements like data readiness and governance are established before pursuing AI technologies.

As Thailand embarks on this journey towards an AI-driven economy, TARI is positioned as a pivotal mechanism for fostering organizational readiness and national competitiveness in the face of evolving technological landscapes.