Social and Human Infrastructure as the Foundation of the Creative Economy: Lessons from a Four-Star OTOP Women's Reed Mat Weaving Group

Abstract

This research article aims to analyze the crucial role of social and human infrastructure as the foundation of creative infrastructure in fostering the creative economy. The study draws on qualitative fieldwork conducted among members of the Ban Phonsawan women’s reed mat weaving group, which holds a four-star rating under the One Tambon One Product (OTOP) project in Nikhom Phatthana Subdistrict, Bang Rakam District, Phitsanulok Province. Field data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and focus group discussions. The findings reveal that, although the group can produce four-star OTOP products at the community level, its production process remains vulnerable to fluctuations associated with the OTOP rating system. Moreover, the women’s reed mat weaving group faces limitations in developing knowledge related to product innovation, packaging design, market-responsive creative thinking, and the expansion of social networks beyond the village. Therefore, a key challenge in promoting the creative economy is bridging the gap between state- and market-driven creativity and local creativity. This can be achieved by strengthening the human and social infrastructure of producer groups, thereby enabling the OTOP project to generate sustainable income and improve the livelihoods of community members.