Entrepreneurial university in Thailand : a case study of King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT)

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to investigate the existence of entrepreneurial university in Thailand and to examine the dynamics of the pathway towards entrepreneurial university of King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT). This research has been done by analyzing five entrepreneurial university elements of KMUTT by using a theoretical framework developed by Burton Clark. The research draws upon mostly primary source: semi-structured interviews with KMUTT university administrators and academics. Document analysis is also used as secondary source to enhance research validity. Upon examination of the five elements, it becomes clear that entrepreneurial university exists in Thai higher education to some extent and the entrepreneurial university concepts have been instilled in KMUTT. One of Clark's elements of entrepreneurial university the "diversified funding base" exists strongly within KMUTT and it is likely to be even greater in the future. The "strengthened steering core" is still in its transitional phase. Other elements, including the "extended periphery", "academic heartland" and "integrated entrepreneurial culture" are in the early stage of KMUTT's transformation into an entrepreneurial university. This research discovers that the term entrepreneurial university is still new in Thai higher education. Ineffective internal communication, state regulations and existing bureaucratic mindset among university administrative and academic units cause some difficulties for the university to bring changes or new values in its administrative and academic departments. This research introduces KMUTT and a clear definition of entrepreneurial university to Thai higher education research community. Moreover, the research highlights the importance of entrepreneurial university in enhancing university industry linkages, supporting Thai national policies as well as showing how a research university survives the insufficient state funding and become more self-reliant.