Modeling the Determinants of Smart Campus Success: An Empirical Study in Thailand

This study investigates a theory-driven causal model explaining the determinants of Smart Campus success in Thailand, drawing on the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework. Data were collected from 96 senior administrators across 126 higher education institutions using a validated questionnaire (IOC ≥ 0.50; Cronbach’s alpha = 0.992). Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) reveal that technological, organizational, and environmental factors each exert significant positive influences on four performance domains—economic, social, environmental, and governance—that together define Smart Campus success. The structural model shows a strong fit (χ 2 = 988.222, p = 0.0532; CFI = 0.998; TLI = 0.980; SRMR = 0.017; RMSEA = 0.059), and all sixteen hypotheses were supported ( p < 0.05). Organizational readiness emerged as the most influential determinant, particularly for social outcomes (β = 0.326), emphasizing the importance of leadership commitment, institutional culture, and internal preparedness in digital transformation. Among the outcome domains, economic performance contributed most strongly to Smart Campus success (β = 0.416). Overall, the findings confirm the relevance of the TOE framework for understanding digital transformation in higher education and provide actionable guidance for policymakers and university leaders seeking to enhance innovation capacity, competitiveness, and sustainable development in Thai and similar institutional contexts.