Adapting the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification in Thailand: Lessons for Institutional Learning and Change

Across multiple higher education systems, universities are increasingly expected to demonstrate public purpose alongside teaching and research. In Thailand, academic service to society is already a statutory function of higher education institutions. This study examines the early use of the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement in a pilot involving six Thai universities and considers how the framework supported institutional learning on university–­ society engagement. Using a qualitative case study of a bounded developmental pilot, the analysis drew on institutional self-­ assessments, documentary materials, records from a kick-­ off event and four 2-­day on-­site sessions, written reflections and facilitator observations. Materials were organised by institution and source type, and a reflexive thematic analysis examined recurring opportunities, constraints, enabling conditions and differences in interpretation across a deliberately heterogeneous six-­ university cohort. The Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement framework was used as a guide. Findings include the following: existing engagement activity was extensive but often dispersed; the Carnegie framework served as a structured diagnostic and reflective tool; senior leadership support and coordinating capacity appeared to facilitate progress; peer exchange supported cross-­ institutional learning; evidence systems were a recurrent challenge; and the process reframed engagement as an institution-­ wide capacity rather than a collection of projects. In this early pilot, the framework’s immediate value was evident in the institutional reflection and learning it prompted, while the possibility of external recognition remained relevant. The findings support contextual adaptation rather than literal transfer, but they do not establish sector-­ wide change or long-­ term outcomes.