Page 53 - FoodFocusThailand No.239 March 2026

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A major structural challenge is the profession’s struggle • Business and entrepreneurship: Strengthen knowledge
to bridge the gap between agriculture and health. This in branding, value-chain management, and intellectual property
often leaves food scientists siloed within factories or labs, development.
disconnected from both upstream and downstream sectors. 2. Integration Skillset
Trapped in ‘The Midstream Trap’ as the invisible link in the • Collaboration platforms: Build proficiency in digital
value chain, they risk losing their strategic influence and the platforms that connect farms, factories, and markets.
opportunity to drive genuine, high-value innovation. • R&D project management: Enhance the ability to
manage multi-sector research and innovation initiatives.
The Food Science and Technology Labor Market • Design thinking: Apply user-centered approaches to
in 2030 develop solutions that address the needs of both farmers and
Forecasts for 2025–2030 project that the global food consumers.
market will expand from USD 905.7 billion in 2026 to USD These efforts require dedicated organizations to lead skills
1.3 trillion by 2030, with an average annual growth rate of development through multi-stakeholder collaboration and
9.42%. Employment in food science and technology across professional networks, enabling value-chain integration from
Southeast Asia is also expected to increase by approximately production to market under shared objectives.
22%, driven by emerging fields such as alternative proteins,
food data science and AI, sustainable packaging, and Shifting Executive Mindsets: From “Cost” to
precision fermentation—sectors that offer higher returns than “Long-Term Human Capital Investment”
traditional career paths. However, Thailand faces significant To attract and retain high-potential talent, organizations must
demographic challenges as birth rates continue to decline. recognize food scientists and technologists as drivers of
In 2025, only 400,000 births were recorded, compared with innovation, revenue, and competitive advantage. Key actions
more than 1 million in 1975. As a result, the challenge extends include:
beyond recruiting sufficient workers to developing a workforce 1. Restructuring work systems: Transition from hour-
with the skills required to meet the demands of a rapidly based or six-day work cultures to performance models
evolving food industry. centered on innovation and value creation.
2. Investing in human capital: Allocate 3–5% of annual
Redesigning Skills: From Frontline Practitioner revenue to upskilling and reskilling in digital competencies and
to System Integrator future food innovation.
To address the challenges facing the food industry and align 3. Ecosystem integration: Strengthen collaboration
with the 2030 landscape, skills development must advance with farmers, consumers, and downstream partners to align
through both formal education and workforce upskilling and research with real market needs.
reskilling. 4. Building data systems: Invest in integrated supply-
Curriculum Development in Educational Institutions chain data platforms to support predictive and preventive
1. Transdisciplinary Curriculum decision-making.
• Integrate food science and technology with data science By 2030, the greatest opportunities will belong to food
and AI, business innovation, and consumer behavior. scientists and technologists who move beyond siloed roles to
• Require capstone projects involving upstream partners become food system integrators—linking consumer needs
(e.g., farms) and downstream partners (e.g., hospitals, health- with agriculture while creating products that deliver both
tech startups) to address real-world challenges across the economic and health value.
production-to-consumption continuum. Preparing for this future requires more than acquiring
• Introduce food systems thinking to build a comprehensive fragmented skills; it demands a fundamental shift toward
understanding of the entire food supply chain. whole-system thinking. The profession’s next generation of
2. Bridge Skills leaders will be those who successfully bridge food, technology,
• Digital agriculture fundamentals: Develop knowledge and health.
of technologies such as IoT and precision farming to enhance
collaboration with the agricultural sectors.
• Nutrition and health: Strengthen competencies in clinical
nutrition and functional foods to support collaboration with More Information Service Info C007
health professionals and informed consumer engagement.
• Scientific communication: Improve the ability to
translate technical knowledge into practical, actionable insights
for stakeholders and the public.
เอกสารอ้างอิง / References
Advancing Food Science & Technologist Skills International Food Technologist (IFT). 2026. Top 5 Ways to Advance
for the Future Food Industry Your Career in Food Science. [Source: https://www.ift.org/
To keep pace with industry transformation, professionals must news-and-publications/blog/2018/february/top-5-ways-to-ad
be systematically upskilled in two key areas: vance-your-career-in-food-science]
1. Value-Creation Skillset Food Innovation Insight, 2025. 7 Pain Points ของอุตสาหกรรมอาหาร
• Digital and data fluency: Develop capabilities in data ไทย [Facebook Page] https://www.facebook.com/profile.
analysis and predictive modeling related to food quality, shelf php?id=100063702964473
life, and consumer insights. Worldbank and FutureTales Lab, 2025. Building Thailand’s Future
• Future food innovation: Gain expertise in emerging Today, Foresight Workshop: Prefered Futures and Pathways
fields such as plant-based proteins, fermentation technology, (Agriculture and Food Sector)
food 3D printing, and personalized nutrition.

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