Upgrading the community economy through product development under local identity

Abstract

This research article objectives were to 1) analyze problems, customer needs, community product operations, and community resources under local identity, 2) develop and enhance community products and resources, and 3) transfer knowledge to local communities in developing and enhancing products and community resources under local identity in Khlong Khuean District, Chachoengsao Province. Research and development methodology was employed, collecting data from key informants including community leaders, community entrepreneurs, local residents, tourists, local scholars, and government officials through in-depth interviews and knowledge transfer forums with 30 participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The research findings revealed that: 1) Local communities lacked knowledge and understanding in product development and enhancement, thus requiring support for local product promotion under Khlong Khuean District's identity. 2) The developed products were artificial flowers from Bang Rong Sub-district and golden needle mushroom crackers from Bang Lao Sub-district. Products enhanced to receive certification standards were scarves from Bang Talat Sub-district, hats from Khlong Khuean Sub-district, and pork rind chili paste from Kon Kaew Sub-district. 3) Knowledge transfer and utilization results were provided to entrepreneurs, community enterprises, and government officials to support product development and enhancement jointly, and to collaborate in finding approaches to elevate products to receive OTOP certification standards in the future. With suggestions from government agencies and community enterprises to create networks and coordinate cooperation between communities, government agencies and the private sector to support community economic development and promote the exchange of knowledge and experiences between different communities.