Cross-Sector Collaboration for Social Impact: Evidence from Thailand’s Digital and Innovation Ecosystem

Abstract

Nonprofit organizations increasingly operate in complex institutional environments where achieving sustainable social impact requires collaboration beyond organizational boundaries. As social challenges become more interconnected and technology-driven, nonprofit leaders must develop the capacity to work across legislative bodies, regulatory agencies, research institutions, private firms, and community organizations. This paper examines Thailand’s digital and innovation ecosystem as a case of cross-sector collaboration that supports measurable social outcomes. Particular attention is given to the continuing development at Wieng Pa Pao College in Chiang Rai province, where cooperation among public institutions, regulators, university research centers, private telecommunications firms, and local educators has promoted SDG awareness, curriculum integration, and digital literacy. Using a qualitative case study approach and a leadership-oriented evaluation framework, the paper analyzes how governance alignment, regulatory stability, and institutional continuity contribute to sustainable impact. The findings suggest that effective nonprofit leadership in contemporary contexts requires policy literacy, cross-sector negotiation skills, and the ability to design impact measurement systems within multi-actor environments. The study offers practical implications for nonprofit management education and for leaders seeking to operate in complex digital ecosystems in emerging economies.