Development of Strengthening Higher Education Institution Models for Sustainable Development of Local Communities

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a model for enhancing the role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in supporting the sustainable development of local communities. The model was informed by policies from Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, as well as the actions of HEIs related to systematic local community development between 2019 and 2023. A mixed-methods approach was employed, utilizing questionnaire-based data collection from sample groups, followed by an evaluation of the proposed model through focus group discussions on relevance, suitability, and feasibility. The survey instruments, including a structured questionnaire and focus group and in-depth interviews, were validated through a literature review of relevant documents related to HEIs' contributions to local community development. The sample comprised representatives from 85 out of 104 eligible HEIs. Data were evaluated by three focus groups: (1) Eight representatives from Ministry executives and higher education experts, (2) Eight representatives from HEI executives in the Area-based and Community Engagement group, and (3) four representatives from leaders or specialists in local community development, which led to the development of the model. The model was further verified by in-depth interviews with three higher education experts.
The results from the questionnaires indicated that the Ministry’s policies significantly supported HEIs in local community development, with an average support rate of 89.00%, high suitability at 86.00%, and robust evidence of policy-driven action plans at 79.20%. Further analysis revealed that the model was highly aligned with local community development principles, particularly the Integrated Sub-district Economic and Social Enhancement Project, University to Tumbon (U2T), and the Post-COVID Economy and Social Development Project with Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy, which received the highest alignment scores (81.60% on average). This was followed by policies promoting HEI grouping and participation in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, with average scores of 78.80% and 75.80%, respectively. Focus group evaluations indicated that the proposed model effectively addressed local community needs. In-depth interviews further confirmed the model's completeness, particularly in terms of the mechanisms for translating policies into actionable strategies at the local level, making it suitable for integration into Ministry action plans. The research demonstrated that local communities could be significantly developed through collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, HEIs, local communities, and other stakeholders. The models to strengthen HEIs for sustainable local community development could be further refined through actions at various institutional levels, aligned with national and ministry-level policies. The study recommends the formulation of draft policies that clearly define the roles and actions of HEI networks, which have proven to be key drivers of sustainable local community development.