The process of public policy agenda setting, focusing on the case of promoting “Living Heritage Cities” in the northern provinces of Nan, Phayao, Phrae, and Uttaradit.

Abstract

This study aims to examine the role of governmental agencies in advancing the policy agenda for promoting "living heritage cities," to analyze the driving factors behind the agenda-setting process, and to propose strategic approaches for advancing such policy agendas.

This research adopts a qualitative methodology, utilizing document analysis from academic literature, policy documents, and related scholarly works. In-depth interviews were conducted with key informants from government agencies and civil society organizations, alongside focus group discussions and interviews with local stakeholders, including citizens, community leaders, public officials, and private sector representatives. Data were analyzed using content analysis and descriptive interpretation.

The findings reveal that: (1) Central and regional government agencies play a significant role in policy formulation and strategic planning, reflecting a top-down approach, whereas local administrative organizations and civil society actors play crucial roles in aggregating local needs, raising awareness, and fostering participatory engagement at the local level. (2) A key factor driving the policy agenda is the consultative participatory planning process, particularly through the use of public forums that facilitate input from citizens, communities, and experts, thereby generating momentum within the policy stream. (3) Effective policy advancement should emphasize collaborative leadership and policy brokerage by establishing a provincial-level multi-stakeholder committee for living heritage city development, creating an evidence-based decision-making center for heritage cities, and formulating integrated plans that align local and central efforts to support a bottom-up policy agenda-setting process.