The Digital Government Technology & Innovation Center (DGTI) was launched at Kasetsart University's Si Racha campus in Chon Buri on Wednesday to draw in potential digital innovation developers who can explore ways to boost digital government services.
It was formed under a collaboration between the Digital Government Development Agency (DGA) and Kasetsart University.
The move is part of the government's digital transformation roadmap, which underscores research, innovation, the reskilling of government officials and open data that could be leveraged by startups to develop innovation catering to the government services.
Chairing the launch, former Digital Economy and Society Minister Pichet Durongkaveroj said the creation of an innovative ecosystem of digital tech for the government is necessary and important.
The facility provides an opportunity for digital entrepreneurs to work and innovate, which ultimately strengthens the economy, he said.
Mr Pichet said DGTI would also serve as a main channel for matching digital innovations and government agencies exploring new technologies that would enhance their administration and services.
DGA chief executive Supot Tiarawut said the facility supports the development of digital innovation in a systematic manner and serves as a venue for R&D for digital technology, which could potentially pull in universities, startups and interested people to create ideas that would enhance the government's administration and services.
The facility's work is projected to bear fruit by the end of fiscal 2020, particularly innovation in the state sector associated with the Eastern Economic Corridor scheme.
The government aims to transform itself to become a digital government between 2021 and 2022.
"The DGA has a mission to create digital services for the public through effective digital channels," said Mr Supot.
"State data must be integrated under a secure system with good governance."
The DGTI is meant to help forge a digital government and facilitate knowledge exchange.
The centre offers four key functions.
First, it would serve as a hub for testing of digital services to be adopted by the government and translating innovative solutions into action.
Second, it would cater to knowledge exchange for the implementation of innovation.
Third, the facility is meant to help upgrade the digital skills of government personnel to boost digital government operations.
Lastly, the centre aims to come up with solutions to address hurdles faced by the government sector.
Mr Supot said the DGTI wants to create digital innovation usage worth 10 billion baht in three years.