The Social Research Institute has a vision of "being a leader in social development in Asia and bringing Lanna to the world." The institute has a strategic focus on excellence for Cultural Exchange / Creative Lanna and Academic Services and Social Engagement.

In line with its vision it has renovated its original library into a creative Lanna learning center to accommodate people of all ages to study. It is not just a place to visit to find documents, but also a space for creating modern learning. In the 2020 fiscal year, the Social Research Institute received its budget to renovate the original library to be a creative Lanna learning center, and build the Lanna Khadi Learning. It is a center with many activities to enhance skills and transfer Lanna wisdom to society and communities.

Also, results of the Lanna projects are collected and disseminated creating a network of cooperation in research and academic services to extend beyond the Social Research Institute. The strategic direction of Chiang Mai University is to be the center of Lanna knowledge in ASEAN. Conservation and extension of value creation is key, and the renovation of the Lanna Learning Center was completed on November 18, 2020.

The Creative Lanna Learning Center held its official opening ceremony on December 8, 2020, and was attended by "Lady Sirikitiya Jensen" an expert and consultant for the Chiang Mai City to World Heritage City Project. The Fine Arts Department presided over the ceremony, Vice President Assistant Professor Dr. Ekkachai Mahaek introduced the center while Director of the Social Research Institute, Associate Professor Dr. Woralun Bunyasurat, lead a tour of the center.