Driving Sustainable Urban Development: The Role of STeP in Shaping Northern Thailand’s Economic Future 

Chiang Mai University’s Science and Technology Park (STeP) plays a crucial role in driving urban transformation and economic development in Northern Thailand. As urbanization accelerates, cities face challenges such as environmental degradation, traffic congestion, and social inequality. To address these issues, STeP integrates technological innovation, industry-academic collaboration, and strategic planning to foster a knowledge-driven economy. Aligning with the Northern Economic Corridor (NEC) and NEC-Creative LANNA initiatives, STeP advances smart infrastructure, mobility solutions, and digital transformation to strengthen the region’s creative, tourism, agriculture, and digital industries. Through stakeholder engagement, it enhances university-industry linkages, promotes technology transfer, and supports startup incubation. Key initiatives include smart city solutions across multiple provinces, such as the MooVe project in Lampang, which improves urban mobility through data analytics and IoT technology. STeP also established the BCG Innovation Headquarters to promote sustainable business models while merging cultural heritage with modern technology. Moving forward, STeP aims to expand international partnerships, attract investment, and strengthen policy-driven support for science parks and smart cities. These strategies will position Northern Thailand as a hub for sustainable innovation, fostering economic resilience, technological advancement, and inclusive urban growth.