The three organisations will establish a Digital Manufacturing Platform in support of the National Digital Economy Master Plan. This will provide up to 100,000 engineers and vocational professionals from companies of all sizes with subscription-based access to Autodesk’s 3D design, manufacturing, simulation, and collaboration tools, services and training for three years.

Two key technologies under the Digital Manufacturing Platform are Autodesk’s Fusion 360 and A360 Team.

Fusion 360 brings together computer-aided design, manufacturing and engineering (CAD, CAM and CAE). It is an integrated, connected, and accessible tool built for the new ways products are being designed and made. It also provides the context for everyone to understand all aspects of a project through the A360, which is able to capture all project information and activity to give teams a central place to collaborate.

“Manufacturing is critical to [Thailand's] economy. Digital manufacturing technologies and talent development will propel Thailand forward in a highly competitive market. The Digital Manufacturing Platform powered by Autodesk technologies will help local players increase the pace of innovation, and promote connectivity and collaboration in alignment to the government's Digital Economy goals," said Thaweesak Koanantakool, the president of The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA).

Echoing Dr Koanantakool's sentiments, Dr Pichet Durongkaveroj, the Minister of Science and Technology said that this collaboration will "support local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in using digital technologies in their design and manufacturing processes, as well as elevating the capabilities of Thai talent to be ready for the manufacturing industry of the future.”

Besides the Digital Manufacturing Platform, Autodesk is working with NSTDA on research programmes and the creation of a technology platform to support Thailand's Smart Cities initiatives.