Strategy for Educational Administration in Southern Vocational Colleges for Foster Social Entrepreneurs

Abstract

Vocational education plays a crucial role in driving sustainable economic development. Integrating social enterprise concepts into education management serves as an essential mechanism for nurturing social innovation entrepreneurs who can generate income independently while maintaining social responsibility. This process contributes directly to sustainable economic growth. The present study, therefore, aimed to examine the management of southern vocational colleges as a model for developing social entrepreneurs nationwide. The research objective was to propose management strategies for southern vocational colleges that promote social entrepreneurship. This was a future-oriented research study employing the Ethnographic Delphi Future Research (EDFR) technique. Data were collected using unstructured interviews and questionnaires from 21 experts selected through purposive sampling. Data analysis utilized median, mode, and interquartile range (IQR) statistics, along with content analysis. Findings revealed that expert opinions were consistent across all four indicators and sixteen components (Mdn ≥3.50,Q3-Q1 ≤1.50). The results led to the development of three main strategies and seven sub-strategies as follows: (1) Curriculum and learning development for nurturing social entrepreneurs, including (1.1) competency-based curriculum design for solving social and sustainability issues, (1.2) creation of interdisciplinary learning mechanisms with local social enterprise partners, and (1.3) establishment of a comprehensive measurement and evaluation system for social enterprise success; (2) Enhancing personnel competency to become coaches and incubators of local social enterprises, including (2.1) strengthening business incubation expertise and (2.2) developing local innovation experience; and (3) Building ecosystems and partnership networks to promote local social enterprises, including (3.1) establishing communication systems and joint decision-making mechanisms within partner networks, and (3.2) promoting collaboration in resource allocation and operational space for social enterprises.