Synthesis of Para-Rubber Research of Ubon Ratchathani University under the Provincial Development Project Support

Abstract

This research aimed to synthesize characteristics of para-rubber research under collaborative projects aiming to improve Ubon Ratchathani University’s roles in supporting provincial development drive by constructing research, and to synthesize the school of knowledge resulted from the nine collaborative rubber projects under the projects for improving the Ubon Ratchathani University’s. The research method was qualitative one by synthesizing the study reports and collecting data with in-depth interview to 9 project heads and with focus group discussion among 11 people from related organizations and 6 para-rubber farmers.

The research revealed characteristics of the projects employing theories of social sciences, health sciences, and sciences with mixed method. Also, the results of experiment research on social sciences showed possibility to establish a factory of intense para-rubber latex. In addition, in terms of the provincial strategic plan, the health sciences study found a guideline for preventing and reducing negative impacts and improving quality of life to those concerned.  Besides, the science project found technology to process Para-rubber products for the elderly.  The school of knowledge could be applied to develop Ubon Ratchathani provincial para-rubber implementation with 3 aspects: quality of life, security, and sustainability.  For quality of life, the quality of life of para-rubber workers and communities surrounding the factory could be developed. The products could be developed to be appropriate and safe for the elderly.  For economy, possibility for establishing a factory of intense para-rubber latex and reduction of manufacturing cost might be evaluated. Also, water pollution from wastewater from coagulation of raw rubber sheet to produce cup lump rubber could be decreased. For the government administration, the provincial para-rubber strategic plan could be developed for better economy and the para-rubber farmers’ quality of life. Related organizations in the province should applied the policy implications and make use of the findings for their commercial, academic, and public policies.