The research results and technology products in the country have not become the basis in developing industrial sector for policy makers. As a result, many research findings from universities cannot be developed into innovation products because these are not absorbed by the industry that are capable of producing competitive goods and services, either not supported by the market who is loyal to domestic production.
The aforementioned were raised in discussions to strengthen the provider networks between researchers and of R & D institutions, which was held in the LPPM Main Conference room, Monday (10/10). The discussion held by the cooperation of the Ministry of Research and Technology with the UGM Research and Community Service Institution (LPPM) was presenting speakers, Assistant to Deputy Head for Provider Network, Deputy Head for Science and Technology Network, the Ministry of Research and Technology, Ir. Sri Setiawati, LPPM Head of Research Quality Improvement, Prof. Dr. Harno Dwi Pranowo, LPPM Head of Industry Research Development and Service, Dr. Yusril Yusuf, and the Head of KKN PPM Management, SME Development, and Community Services, Dr. Joko Prastowo, M.Si.
Joko Pratowo said the development of science and technology is closely related to the development of the nation’s economy. In an effort to create stability of macroeconomic environment, the government needs to formulate industrial policies that favor the use of the nation’s research results and technology products. "The weak policy research is proven by the lack of research funding and lack of infrastructure establishment," he said.
Joko mentioned that the lack of research funding can be seen from the amount of funds expended by the government compared with the number of lecturers in all universities in Indonesia that reaches up to 170 thousand people. "If we refer to the existing research funds at this time, averagely each lecturer only gets 300 thousand rupiah," he said.
To overcome the lack of research funding, universities should establish a cooperative research partnerships network with industry. "Networks need to be strengthened because the CSR funds (coporate social responsibility) have not been fully utilized for research by the universities," he said.
Harno Dwi Pranowo admits it is not easy to develop research culture among lecturers. He mentions that in each faculty at UGM only 10-15 percent of the faculty are eager to conduct research and this includes those who frequently submit research proposals. In addition, the majority of the lecturers prefer to do research on their own than by forming joint research. "This is a problem for the university, therefore, we continue to seek for a solution," he said.
Harno said that currently most of the research results of UGM are the result of cooperative research funding from external parties, reaching up to 64.57 percent, while 34.79 percent is from the government. "From internal research of UGM, it is only 0.4 percent," he said.