A Social Return on Investment Evaluation of the World Integrated Suvarnabhumi Education Platform (WISE Platform)

Abstract

          This evaluation aims to assess the social impact and Social Return on Investment (SROI) of the World Integrated Suvarnabhumi Education Platform (WISE Platform) project. The study employs a mixed-methods data collection approach, including documentary research, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews with project implementers and key stakeholders. The SROI assessment framework applies the Theory of Change, outcome mapping, indicator identification, deadweight, displacement, attribution, drop-off, and financial proxies. Key stakeholders include teachers, primary/secondary students, researchers, undergraduate students, the university, and national artists. Findings reveal significant economic outcomes, such as reduced lesson preparation time for educators, enhanced IT skills, application of technology in historical studies to generate employment and income, and increased tourism revenue from cultural promotion activities (Manohra) led by national artists. Social outcomes include heightened pride and community engagement in preserving and transmitting local cultural heritage to future generations. The financial analysis demonstrates a Present Value of Benefits of 18,745,470.52 THB and a Present Value of Costs of 11,495,272.63 THB, resulting in a Net Present Value (NPV) of 7,250,197.89 THB (comprising 13,146,822.89 THB in economic benefits and 5,598,647.62 THB in social benefits). The resulting SROI ratio of 1:1.63 indicates that every 1 THB invested generates 1.63 THB in social and economic value. Crucially, the key policy implication of this finding underscores that public investment in digital education platforms for cultural heritage is highly cost-effective and viable. It provides evidence-based justification for funding agencies and policymakers to scale up digital learning infrastructures and integrate local cultural capital with modern digital tools to drive the creative economy and sustainable cultural preservation.