Enhancing Phitsanulok City Development Through Digital Economy: A Case Study of the Osaka Model

This research addresses the urgent challenge facing Phitsanulok, a rapidly growing secondary city in Thailand. To gather in-depth insights, the researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 key informants in Phitsanulok city comprising five local government officials, five digital-technology entrepreneurs, five representatives from educational institutions and five community and business association leaders selected through purposive sampling to ensure representation of diverse stakeholder perspectives. Each 30–60-minute interview was audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-phase thematic analysis framework. The study finds out the essential components for successful digital transformation in Phitsanulok’s specific context. The research emphasizes that effective implementation requires careful consideration of local conditions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Three critical success factors emerge: developing scalable digital infrastructure, establishing public-private partnerships that align with local business practices, and providing comprehensive digital skills training across the community. The study identifies engaging growth opportunities in agriculture, tourism, and e-commerce, leveraging Phitsanulok’s existing strengths. To capitalize on these opportunities, the research proposes several strategic initiatives: establishing a dedicated digital economy office, implementing regulatory sandboxes for innovation, developing industry-specific clusters, and updating educational curricula to meet emerging workforce demands. The findings emphasize that Phitsanulok can achieve sustainable digital transformation by taking an adaptive approach that honors its unique identity while embracing technological advancement. This balanced strategy aims to creating regulatory sandboxes, foster economic growth while preserving the city’s distinctive characteristics and ensuring broad community participation in the digital economy.