GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPING COMPETITIVENESS OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURS IN METROPOLITAN AND EASTERN REGIONS

Abstract

The development of competitiveness of construction materials business entrepreneurs will help entrepreneurs adapt to economic and technological changes, increase operational efficiency, reduce costs, create innovative services, and build sustainable competitive advantages. This research aims to study guidelines for developing the competitiveness of construction materials business entrepreneurs in the metropolitan and eastern regions. This study employs qualitative research methods, collecting data through in-depth interviews with key informants: 1) Construction materials business entrepreneurs registered as limited companies or limited partnerships in the metropolitan and eastern regions 10 people, 2) Officials or senior executives from government agencies directly related to construction materials business, including Provincial Industry and Provincial Commerce offices 4 people, and 3) Non-profit private sector organizations responsible for promoting and directly involved with construction materials business, including Provincial Chambers of Commerce (2 people), totaling 16 key informants. The research findings reveal that guidelines for developing competitiveness of construction materials business entrepreneurs in Thailand include: creating specialized expertise, developing technology and digital systems such as ERP and IoT, continuous human capital development, building business partnership networks, and providing comprehensive services such as design, material calculation, and product installation. Supporting agencies such as Provincial Commerce offices promote group formation to increase bargaining power and support access to funding sources and digital platforms. Meanwhile, Provincial Chambers of Commerce propose personnel development, information technology utilization, and supply chain partnership creation with manufacturers, engineers, and contractors. All of this indicates that competition in the modern construction materials market requires integration of technology, knowledge, networks, and government support to enhance potential and create long-term business sustainability.