Development of a Collaborative Governance Model in Local Governments for Environmental Innovation in Public Service

Thanachai Samol; Jitsuda  limkriengkrai

Authors

Thanachai Samol Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Mahidol University.
Jitsuda limkriengkrai Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Mahidol University

Keywords:

Collaborative Governance, Local Administrative Organizations (LAOs),, Public Service Innovation, Environmental Management, Co-production, Institutional Resilience

Abstract

This study develops a collaborative governance model for environmental public service innovation in Thai Local Administrative Organisations (LAOs), contextualising Collaborative Governance Regimes (CGR) within a developing-nation framework characterised by institutional fragility and fiscal constraints. Employing a qualitative multiple case study design, the research conducted semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with 37 key informants across three award-winning LAOs: Rang Chorakhe SAO, Na Phan Sam SAO, and Kong Thanu SAO. Data were analysed using thematic analysis six-phase framework. Findings reveal that effective environmental governance operates as an iterative cycle of learning and institutional adaptation across four stages: policy formulation, innovation implementation, analysis and evaluation, and continuous adaptation. Critical success factors encompass facilitative leadership, social capital mobilisation, and multidimensional incentive design. Governance outcomes include national budget savings exceeding 51 million THB and certified reductions of 289,497 tonnes of CO₂e emissions. The study contributes an empirically grounded collaborative governance model applicable to developing-nation local governance contexts, with practical and policy recommendations for scaling environmental innovation through inter-local partnerships.

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