A Conceptual Framework for Developing Professional Standards for Researchers and Innovators in Thai Higher Education Institutions

Authors

  • Subin Yurarach Research Facilitation and Development Center, Sripatum University, Thailand
  • Siriporn Thongkaew Research Facilitation and Development Center, Sripatum University, Thailand

Keywords:

Professional Standard, Researcher, Innovator, Competency, Higher Education Institution

Abstract

This article has two objectives: (1) to describe the concept of professional standards and the competency frameworks for researchers and innovators at both national and international levels; and (2) to analyze, synthesize and propose a conceptual framework for developing professional standards for researchers and innovators that is appropriate to the context of Thai higher education institutions. This is done by referencing and comparing internationally recognized frameworks, including (1) the Professional Standards Framework (PSF) of the United Kingdom, (2) the Researcher Development Framework (RDF) of Vitae, (3) the Innovation Competency Framework (ICF) of the National Innovation Agency (NIA), (4) the Innovation Talent Development Framework (ITDF) of the Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO), and (5) the European Framework for Research Careers (EFRC) of the European Union. The results of the analysis and synthesis led to a draft conceptual framework for developing professional standards for researchers and innovators in Thai higher education institutions. This framework classifies the competency structure of researchers/innovators into four levels: (1) Associate Fellow Researcher/Innovator (AFRI): entry-level researchers/innovators; (2) Fellow Researcher/Innovator (FRI): researchers/innovators at the institutional level; (3) Senior Fellow Researcher/Innovator (SFRI): leaders of research/innovation development projects; and (4) Principal Fellow Researcher/Innovator (PFRI): research directors or policymakers driving research and innovation.

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Published

2025-12-25

How to Cite

Yurarach, S., & Thongkaew, S. (2025). A Conceptual Framework for Developing Professional Standards for Researchers and Innovators in Thai Higher Education Institutions. Journal of Innovation and Management, 10(2), 200–216. retrieved from https://so03.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/journalcim/article/view/291607

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Academic Articles