The Role of Public Policy in Transforming the Workforce Structure towards an Entrepreneurial Economy: Policy Recommendations at the National, Regional, and Local levels

Sanya Kenaphoom; Watcharaporn  Jantanukul

Authors

Sanya Kenaphoom Faculty of Political Science and Public Administration, Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University, Maha Sarakham, Thailand https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9833-4759
Watcharaporn Jantanukul Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8048-9798

Keywords:

Public policy, Entrepreneurial economy, Labor force transformation, Human capital, Multi-level governance, Entrepreneurial ecosystem

Abstract

This study examines the influence of public policy on the transformation of Thailand's labor force structure into an entrepreneurial economy. The aim is to analyze existing policy frameworks, identify structural and institutional constraints within Thailand's entrepreneurial ecosystem, and provide a comprehensive multi-tiered policy framework at the national, regional, and local levels. The study employs a qualitative documentary methodology in conjunction with policy analysis. Data was gathered from national policy documents, economic development strategies, legislation, regulatory frameworks, and academic literature cataloged in both international and national databases. The analysis was guided by the principles of human capital, structural transformation, entrepreneurial economy, and multi-tiered governance. The results demonstrate that although Thailand shows significant entrepreneurial activity, the workforce is mainly defined by informal employment and micro-enterprises, which have limited scalability and productivity. Current policies demonstrate strengths in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship strategically; however, significant challenges persist in policy coordination, institutional integration, access to gro significant policy wth-oriented financing, and the alignment of educational outcomes with entrepreneurial skills. The analysis reveals significant policy shortcomings related to fragmented governance, uneven regional development, and insufficient support for innovation-oriented enterprises. The study promotes a multi-faceted policy framework that emphasizes competency-based entrepreneurial education, legislative and institutional change, funding methods for scaling, and the creation of regionally adapted entrepreneurial ecosystems. The results demonstrate that public policy is crucial for improving entrepreneurial participation and influencing the quality, scalability, and structural influence of entrepreneurship on sustained productivity growth and economic transformation.

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