Social Engineer Skill Development for Innovation in Solving Community Problems in Hat Song Khwae Subdistrict, Tron District, Uttaradit Province

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the knowledge and understanding of social engineers at Uttaradit Rajabhat University and to examine the application of social engineering competencies, including analytical thinking, communication, coordination, and innovation, in addressing local community problems. In addition, the study sought to extract lessons learned from the university’s social engineer development process. A mixed-methods research design was employed. The research was conducted in Hat Song Khwae Subdistrict, Tron District, Uttaradit Province. The sample consisted of 100 students from Uttaradit Rajabhat University, selected using stratified and proportional sampling techniques. Data were collected through questionnaires, assessment forms, and interviews.

The findings revealed that participants’ levels of knowledge and understanding significantly increased after the training program. The participants were able to effectively apply social engineering skills as thinkers, communicators, coordinators, and innovators in implementing community-based projects. These projects were evaluated by community members as being of very high quality. The lesson-learned analysis identified key factors contributing to success, including the appropriate selection of project areas and issues, the role of faculty advisors, the characteristics of student social engineers, and internal support mechanisms within the university. The results provide academic value by confirming the effectiveness of the social engineer development process in higher education institutions and propose a practical framework that can be applied to enhance students’ capacities in community engagement and social innovation in other contexts.