It has long been believed that higher learning is the driving force for people to make progress. Research and innovation may help boost economic development through product and innovation. Qualified human resource is another part that can be contributed by higher learning.
One important aspect in economic development, according to CEO and founder of Six Capital, Patrick Teng, is to keep the currency stable. “Stability of a country’s currency affects its economic growth and development. Hence, it is important for us to explore this issue to ensure that society is ready to meet future challenges. He discussed this issue in a Dinner Talk Show themed Sovereignty and Currency: Empowering the Indonesian Rupiah, hosted by UGM and Six Capital on Monday (11/4) at Tentrem Hotel.
This dialogue serves as a forum for three parties - universities, private companies, and government - with the aim to gather comprehensive ideas on economic growth issue. He said it was necessary for higher learning to remain at the forefront to maintain the power of the state.
On Tuesday (12/4) at the UGM Senate Hall a seminar followed up the discussion, presenting speaker Dr. Gordon Hewitt CBE, FRSE, business administration expert from University of Michigan. He emphasised on the importance of synergistic collaboration between higher learning institutions and the industry to meet economic development goals.
“The gap between university and industry should be removed to realise a smart and successful Indonesia,” he described.
Currently, the industry is in a condition which he named as a “new toy” when small scale startups can put aside bigger establishments as they are not only make products, but also create new trends. Bigger companies that hold on to the traditional views have eventually become followers and be abandoned.
The context of society that is dynamic where technology and science run at at quick pace has reinstated the importance of collaboration between higher learning and industry. Higher learning institutions become the place for creation of innovations that can be utilised by industry, and at the same time industry can bring research outcomes for use by society.
UGM Director for Centre for Innovation and Academic Study (PIKA), drg. Ika Dewi Ana,M.Kes., P.Hd., said the dynamic global development was a challenge to be met by higher learning institutions in Indonesia. She added that UGM had been up to the task through academic innovations and various extracurricular projects.