YOGYAKARTA - Universitas Gadjah Mada in cooperation with USAID and higher Learning Directorate General host the National Forum for Research Collaboration and Innovation in Yogyakarta from 28 September - 1 October. As many as 50 research managers from various universities join the forum, agreeing to enhance research collaboration and innovation. They are from Universitas Bengkulu, Universitas Negeri Gorontalo, Politeknik Negeri Ujung Pandang, Universitas Negeri Padang, Universitas Muhammadiyah Kendari, Universitas Negeri Medan, and Universitas Nusa Cendana Kupang.
Director General for Innovation Enhancement, Dr. Ir. Jumain Appe, Msi, said the Directorate General would encourage innovative researches at universities. One of the ways is to change the paradigm of education and research university to University Innovation.
“University Innovation is all about education implementation, new ideas, findings, innovation, entrepreneurship and creating economic values for society,” said Jumain at UGM on Wednesday (30/9).
According to Jumain, collaboration and networking between innovation actors at universities and commercialisation of research products will be encouraged and supported by government.
UGM Research Director, Prof. Dr. Ir. Sri Raharjo, M.Sc., said higher learning researches should be directed towards state sovereignty enhancement, taking sides of the vulnerable society. He presented an example from UGM research policy that take sides with the handling of vulnerable society, rescue of critical environment, enhancement dan empowerment of local culture and state sovereignty enhancement.
Specialist for Collaboration with External Shareholders of USAID HELM (Higher Education Leadership and Management), Antya Widita, said the forum for higher learning innovation research was aimed at establishing a communication forum for members to share experiences, tips and tricks, as well as case study of collaboration innitiatives with various shareholders.