Suan Dusit University (SDU) plays a pivotal role as a higher education institution that integrates academic knowledge and innovation into public policy development. The University actively serves as an expert advisor to local, regional, and national government agencies, contributing to evidence-based policymaking and sustainable governance. This commitment reflects the spirit of SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, which promotes effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions that foster transparency and public trust.
In 2024, SDU participated as an institutional advisor in the “Trang Gastronomy and Creative City Development Project”, supporting the Province of Trang in its efforts to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). The University provided expert advice and policy recommendations to various provincial and municipal government agencies, including the Trang Provincial Office, the Provincial Cultural Office, and local administrative organizations. SDU’s contribution focused on cultural gastronomy, local identity development, and creative economy enhancement, which serve as key strategies for promoting sustainable city development and cultural tourism.
At the local level in Bangkok, the University joined the Dusit Higher Education Network Working Group, collaborating with local authorities and neighboring universities to provide policy recommendations for sustainable urban management within Dusit District. Through this collaboration, SDU offered expertise in local economic development, community engagement, environmental management, and human capital development to strengthen sustainable urban governance and improve community well-being.
Furthermore, SDU partnered with the Dusit District Office and the Samsen Police Station to organize the “Knowledge Enhancement and Drug Prevention in the Workplace Program.” In this initiative, the University provided academic consultation and expert training to public officials, law enforcement officers, and private sector representatives. The program aimed to support the district’s safety policy by promoting drug-free workplaces and establishing preventive networks through the TO BE NUMBER ONE community initiative.
At the regional level, SDU’s Suphanburi Campus engaged with the Provincial Narcotics Control Center of Suphanburi (PNCC Suphanburi) as an expert member, offering research-based recommendations on social development and public health policy. Additionally, the campus contributed academic input to the Lower Central Region Cluster Development Plan (2023–2027), providing policy suggestions on rural economic development, sustainable resource utilization, and community empowerment. These recommendations were incorporated into the Annual Provincial Cluster Operational Plan for Fiscal Year 2026, demonstrating tangible policy impact.
Through these multi-level engagements, Suan Dusit University demonstrates its strong institutional capacity to act as an academic partner for government, effectively linking academic research with practical policy formulation. The University’s expert advisory roles not only enhance public administration efficiency but also foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, and sustainable decision-making between academia and government institutions.
In conclusion, SDU’s active participation in providing expert advice to government agencies at local, regional, and national levels exemplifies how higher education institutions can contribute to sustainable governance and policy innovation. By integrating academic expertise into the policymaking process, Suan Dusit University reinforces its mission to serve as a trusted and responsible knowledge institution—one that advances the creation of strong, transparent, and accountable institutions in alignment with the vision of SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
References
- Trang Gastronomy and Creative City Development Project, Trang Province – Suan Dusit University Collaboration (2024).
https://www.dusit.ac.th/home/2024/1237314.html - Meeting of the Dusit Higher Education Network Working Group (2024).
https://www.dusit.ac.th/home/2024/1350331.html - Drug Prevention and Knowledge Enhancement in the Workplace Project – Dusit District and SDU Collaboration (2024).
https://www.dusit.ac.th/home/2024/1275716.html - Suphanburi Campus Participation in the Provincial Narcotics Control Center and Lower Central Regional Development Plan (2024).
https://www.dusit.ac.th/home/2024/1267507.html