Strengthening Higher Education Governance for Local Development: Insights from the Upper Northern Rajabhat Universities

Abstract

This study investigates the implementation outcomes of the 20-Year Strategic Plan for Local Development (2017–2036) and the governance mechanisms of Rajabhat Universities in Thailand’s Upper Northern region. The research pursued three objectives: 1) to evaluate the effectiveness of administrative and governance systems in supporting local development, 2) to identify approaches for strengthening participatory and adaptive governance, and 3) to classify universities according to their local development performance across key domains. Data were collected from 177 purposively selected stakeholders—including university administrators, government officials, private-sector representatives, and community leaders—through a mixed-methods design integrating surveys, interviews, and focus-group discussions. Findings indicate that while the universities have established formal committees and strategic offices that facilitate coordination and collaboration, systemic challenges persist, particularly rigid budgetary procedures, limited project continuity, and insufficient faculty incentives. Quantitative and qualitative analyses reveal strong short-term outcomes in teaching integration, collaboration with local agencies, and technology transfer, but only moderate long-term impacts on household income, community well-being, and educational innovation. Governance flexibility, cross-sectoral partnerships, and continuous monitoring emerge as decisive factors influencing effectiveness. The study deepens existing knowledge by demonstrating how participatory and networked governance arrangements mediate the relationship between national policy mandates and localized development outcomes in regional universities.