Enhancing network collaboration using the Shura process to promote urban identityTowards a learning city: Taluban Municipality, Pattani Province

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate the process of retrieving and enhancing collaboration among network partners through the Shura process to promote the city’s identity toward becoming a learning city in Taluban Municipality, Pattani Province. This study employed a qualitative research approach. Key informants, for this study, consisted of partner organizations involved in driving the learning city initiative in Taluban Municipality. Data were collected through knowledge-sharing activities based on knowledge management processes and focus group discussions. The data were analyzed using content analysis and presented descriptively.

The findings revealed that the process of enhancing collaboration among 11 partner organizations in Taluban Municipality, Pattani Province, through the Shura process, contributed to promoting the city’s identity and multicultural characteristics as a learning city. Through the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and stakeholder consultation meetings, participating organizations developed a shared understanding and jointly advanced common goals in a concrete manner. The initiative was further linked to local cultural assets, such as Beramas kite-making and palm-frond handicrafts, which served as resources for promoting lifelong learning and strengthening the local economy sustainably. In addition, the project facilitated the development of learning city managers equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and implement learning city initiatives based on cultural assets and cross-sector collaboration. In addition, the research outcomes were disseminated through the “Learning City Week” event, which served as a platform for knowledge sharing, cultural promotion, and local economic stimulation, thereby supporting the continuity and sustainability of the learning city development process.