Publication: Development of Strengthening Higher Education Institution Models for Sustainable Development of Local Communities
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0
Issued Date
2025-01-01
Resource Type
eISSN
26730235
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105011607449
Journal Title
Journal of Multidisciplinary in Social Sciences
Volume
21
Issue
1
Start Page
34
End Page
45
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Multidisciplinary in Social Sciences Vol.21 No.1 (2025) , 34-45
Suggested Citation
Aruni P., Moolsilpa P., Jearajit C. Development of Strengthening Higher Education Institution Models for Sustainable Development of Local Communities. Journal of Multidisciplinary in Social Sciences Vol.21 No.1 (2025) , 34-45. 45. Retrieved from: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14740/21223
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Abstract
This study aimed to develop a model to enhance the role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in supporting the sustainable development of local communities. The model was informed by Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) policies and the actions of HEIs in systematic community development from 2019 to 2023. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, including questionnaire-based data collection and model evaluation through focus group discussions addressing relevance, suitability, and feasibility. The research instruments-structured questionnaires, focus group protocols, and in-depth interviews—were validated through a literature review of relevant documents on HEIs’ contributions to local development. The sample included representatives from 85 out of 104 eligible HEIs. Data were analyzed by three focus groups: (1) eight representatives from MHESI and higher education experts, (2) eight executives from HEIs involved in area-based and community engagement initiatives, and (3) four leaders or specialists in local development. The model was further refined through in-depth interviews with three higher education experts. Questionnaire results indicated strong support for MHESI policies in guiding HEI contributions to local development, with average ratings of 89.0% for policy support, 86.0% for model suitability, and 79.2% for policy-driven action plans. The model demonstrated high alignment with key national initiatives, particularly the Integrated Sub-district Economic and Social Enhancement Project, the University to Tumbon (U2T) project, and the Post-COVID Economy and Social Development Project with a Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy approach, which achieved the highest alignment score (81.6%). Other notable areas of alignment included HEI grouping policies (78.8%) and participation in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings (75.8%). Focus group evaluations affirmed the model’s responsiveness to local needs. In-depth interviews confirmed its completeness, particularly in operational mechanisms for translating national policies into actionable strategies. The findings highlight that sustainable local development can be significantly advanced through collaboration between MHESI, HEIs, local communities, and other stakeholders. The study recommends drafting policies that explicitly define the roles of HEI networks, which are proven to be key drivers of sustainable community development.