Dr. Agus Heruanto Hadna was officially inaugurated as a professor of public policy at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM).
The ceremony on Thursday (Feb. 22) at the UGM Senate Hall marked a significant milestone in his academic journey.
In his inaugural address titled “Policy Innovation and Socio-Economic Inequality,” he delved into the transformative realm of policy innovation in the digital era and its profound impact on societal welfare.
“I’ve chosen the theme of my inaugural address out of a deep appreciation for the vibrant evolution of Public Policy studies, especially in the wake of digital advancements over the past decade,” he articulated, setting the tone for his discourse.
“However, I also harbor concerns regarding the pivotal question: Can policy innovation truly uplift the well-being of all societal strata?”
Professor Hadna elucidated how the term “innovation” has permeated various sectors, from public officials and politicians to entrepreneurs, academics, and the public, as they grapple with the implications of digital transformation.
This widespread embrace of innovation has spurred governmental initiatives to introduce myriad policy innovations across diverse public domains.
This surge in policy innovation is mirrored in the proliferation of publications and social media discourse.
An analysis of data from November 2019 to December 2022 revealed a staggering frequency of 5,056 instances of the hashtag #PublicServiceInnovation, indicating a burgeoning interest in public service innovation over the past two years.
Furthermore, this innovation fervor has catalyzed rapid advancements across the policy landscape, permeating every facet of the policy process and influencing decision-making, program quality, public engagement, and advocacy strategies.
“The symbiotic relationship between innovation and policy has given rise to the concept of policy innovation, with some scholars contending that innovation is intrinsic to the fabric of policy studies,” he expounded.
The new professor explored the dual facets of policy innovation, delineating its potential to drive positive social transformation while accentuating the specter of socio-economic inequality.
Drawing from global experiences, he identified vital variables such as industrialization, urbanization, globalization, and financial sector growth as potent drivers of inequality when not balanced with robust human resources and governance frameworks.
“In a nation grappling with historical inequalities, a policy landscape solely fixated on market dynamics could prove perilous,” he concluded, underscoring the importance of public literacy in navigating complex policy landscapes.
“Thus, there’s an imperative to foster a nuanced understanding of policies among the populace, ensuring superficial promises from any ruling regime do not sway them.”
Author: Gloria
Photographer: Donnie