Start-up Accelerators and Crowdfunding to drive Innovation Development under Thailand 4.0 Policy

Abstract

This paper attempts to study the mechanisms of start-up accelerators and crowdfunding to support entrepreneurial development in Thailand.  In particular, the study explores the major accelerator programmes to support innovation commercialisation and the start-up eco-innovation system.   The results have shown the problems of weak Triple Helix system since the interactions among the university, industry and government are not strong enough to drive effective technology commercialisation.  Arguably, the accelerator programme should act as an intermediary among the institutional spheres to provide interactive linkages and promote effective utilisation of research results.  The empirical study provides insightful implications on the move towards Thailand 4.0 and the lessons of Thailand in stimulating entrepreneurial development which can be applied to other developing economies.