Mechanisms for Collaboration and Engagement in High-Value Agricultural and Food Business Groups, in Accordance with the Development Guidelines for New Economic Hubs within the Central-Western Economic Corridor

Abstract

This research aimed to: (1) examine the background information and current situation of high-value agricultural and food product clusters in the Central-Western Economic Corridor (CWEC); (2) design and prioritize potential clusters for development within the CWEC; (3) establish a stakeholder network cooperation mechanism; and (4) formulate policy recommendations for the CWEC, which encompasses four provinces: Kanchanaburi, Suphan Buri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, and Nakhon Pathom. The study employed a qualitative methodology through participatory action research (PAR), grounded in a holistic development approach and the Quadruple Helix concept. A total of 75 key informants participated, including 33 representatives from government and state enterprises, 8 from the private sector and entrepreneurial ventures, 19 from academia and expert fields, and 15 from the community. Research instruments included secondary data sources, semi-structured interview guides, focus group discussions, and brainstorming sessions. Key informants were selected through purposive sampling based on direct institutional or community involvement in the CWEC development agenda; within each group, snowball referral was applied where access was limited. Data validity was ensured through methodological triangulation combining in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, documentary analysis and source triangulation across all four stakeholder groups. Qualitative content analysis followed systematic coding procedures, with inter-rater discrepancies resolved through structured discussion. Findings revealed that the CWEC possesses considerable potential for linking production bases to the ASEAN region, though challenges remain in infrastructure and policy integration. The evaluation of potential business clusters resulted in the following prioritization: (1) white shrimp and giant freshwater prawn, (2) tropical fruits, (3) rice, (4) tilapia and snakehead fish, and (5) beef cattle. Furthermore, the study developed the Public–Private–Academic–Community (PPA-C) Model, a contextualized Quadruple Helix cooperation mechanism for inclusive agro-food cluster governance in which communities serve as active co-producers rather than passive beneficiaries. Cluster potential was evaluated across four criteria: economic potential, market and export potential, sustainability and competitiveness, and readiness for development and impact; the five priority clusters (shrimp, tropical fruit, rice, freshwater fish, and beef cattle) yielded overall mean scores of 7.91, 7.81, 7.73, 7.60, and 6.60, respectively. Policy recommendations emphasize enhancing product value through technology, improving infrastructure, and expanding domestic and international markets. Short-, medium-, and long-term action plans are proposed to strengthen sustainable competitiveness.