GUIDELINES FOR BUDGET MANAGEMENT FOR DEVELOPING HIGH-PERFORMANCE PEOPLE WITH DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

This research aims to (1) study methods for developing highly competent people using digital technology, (2) study the processes and obstacles in managing budgets for human development, and (3) propose policy guidelines for a new, efficient budget management model. The research employed a qualitative research methodology, collecting data from the analysis of 25 relevant policy and academic documents, combined with in-depth interviews with 12 experts in human capital development policy, public budget management, and digital technology, selected using purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using content analysis and thematic synthesis. The research found that (1) effective development of highly competent people using digital technology should be based on flexible and personalized learning through digital platforms, the use of competency data, and technologies such as AI and data analytics systems to support continuous upskilling and reskilling, rather than spur-of-the-moment training. (2) Thailand's budget management process for human development still faces structural obstacles, including the rigidity of budget categories, a lack of interagency integration, and the failure to concretely link the budget to competency outcomes. which limits the potential of using digital technology in human development (3) This research proposes a new policy approach: “Competency- and Data-Driven Budgeting”, which emphasizes integrated budget allocation, focuses on competency outcomes, uses evidence-based data from digital platforms for decision making, and opens up space for cooperation between the government, private sector, and educational institutions. These findings reflect new policy knowledge that systematically links human capital development, digital technology, and budget management, and can be used as a policy framework to enhance the country's long-term competitiveness.