Knowledge transfer in the Thai automotive industry and impacts from changing patent regimes

The Evolution of University–Industry Linkages in Thailand

“…Instead, the three Japanese assemblers (that is, Toyota, Nissan, and Honda) invest more in Plug‐in Hybrid and Hybrid EVs, as they have actively filed EV‐related technology patent applications, accounting for 40% of total patents in EV‐related technology domains. Yet, about 84% of their EV‐related patent applications are for Plug‐in Hybrid or Hybrid EVs (Intarakumnerd & Charoenporn, 2022). Arguably, the China‐Thailand Free Trade Agreement hampers the localization of new battery electric technologies, as foreign carmakers find the price of completely built‐up Battery EVs from abroad especially from China is much cheaper that the cost of importing some knock‐down components for assembly in Thailand.…”

“…Although GWM dominates Battery EV (BEV) sales, those BEVs are only imported from China with a 0 % tariff. There has not yet been any patent filed locally (Intarakumnerd & Charoenporn, 2022). GWM is in the early phase of establishing collaboration with the Office of the Vocational Education Commission and the company is trying to expand its collaboration into business and management schools in Thammasat University to share knowledge on business cases and professional skills in mobility services (Thailand Board of Investment, 2022).…”