Khon Kaen University, through the Smart City Operation Center (SCOPC), joins forces with the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC) to drive the digital government policy by developing a “Provincial Data Dashboard.” Piloted in Khon Kaen Province, the initiative has demonstrated concrete results in using empirical data to address urban and provincial challenges. Building on its success, the model has now been expanded to additional provinces to sustainably enhance the quality of life of Thai citizens.
As national policy places strong emphasis on transforming public administration through digital transformation, Khon Kaen University has played a strategic role as a leading academic institution committed to social engagement and public service. Through close collaboration with OPDC and Khon Kaen Province, the university has contributed academic expertise, technology, and innovation to strengthen data-driven governance.
In the fiscal year 2024, the Smart City Operation Center (SCOPC) at Khon Kaen University was entrusted to serve as the principal academic and technological mechanism, working alongside Khon Kaen Province. They designed and established the “Provincial Data Dashboard,” which serves as a crucial starting point in creating tools for provincial executives. These tools facilitate decision-making, problem-solving, and area development planning based on accurate, precise, and timely empirical data, rather than estimation.
The success of the “Khon Kaen Model,” for which Khon Kaen University helped lay the foundation, has been recognised at the policy level. This led to its expansion in 2025 to five key target provinces: Kalasin, Chiang Rai, Songkhla, Nong Khai, and Udon Thani. The aim is to establish a new standard in regional public administration by covering critical data dimensions affecting people’s quality of life, such as safe agriculture, tourism, budget management, care for vulnerable groups, accident prevention, water and disaster management, and narcotics suppression.
Khon Kaen University’s involvement reflects its core mission of academic service to society, specifically in transferring technology and innovation to the community and society, eventually elevating it to a national model. Looking ahead to 2026, this model will be further developed through integrated collaboration with national agencies, including the Ministry of Interior, the National Statistical Office (NSO), and the Big Data Institute (BDI). The ultimate goal is to create a sustainable data ecosystem, moving towards becoming “Digital Provinces” and a “Smart & Open Government” that is transparent and accountable, truly serving the public interest.
