By: Nadira Citra Maheswari)*
Advances in science and technology have transformed the global competitive landscape. A country’s competitiveness is no longer solely determined by its natural resource endowment, but also by its ability to generate innovation, develop research, and transform it into solutions for society and economic strength. In this context, the government has positioned strengthening research as a foundation for national development by encouraging universities to become centers of knowledge and innovation.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasized this commitment at the closing of the 2026 Indonesian Science, Technology, and Industry Convention (KSTI) National Seminar at the Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC). He urged Indonesian universities to play a more strategic role as centers for the development of science, innovation, and the search for solutions to address global dynamics increasingly influenced by rapid advances in science and technology.
On that occasion, President Prabowo emphasized that universities must be productive platforms for generating ideas, research, and innovation capable of addressing various national challenges. Academic freedom enjoyed by universities is considered a crucial asset for generating ideas and breakthroughs that drive scientific advancement while strengthening the nation’s competitiveness.
President Prabowo also urged all universities to continue increasing their contributions to the development of science and technology that provide tangible benefits to society. All academic activities are expected to be oriented towards national progress and improving the welfare of the people, ensuring that research results are not merely published but can be applied in everyday life.
This direction demonstrates a shift in the development paradigm that increasingly places science as the basis for policymaking. Development is no longer understood solely as physical development, but also encompasses intellectual capacity building through collaboration between government, universities, research institutions, the business world, and the community.
One of the main challenges facing Indonesian research has been the suboptimal connection between research findings and the needs of industry and society. Much research is academically sound, but has not yet been developed into products, technologies, or policies with broad impact. Therefore, cross-sector collaboration is crucial so that innovations emerging from universities can address a variety of national challenges, from food security and energy to health, digital transformation, and strategic industrial development.
Strengthening the research ecosystem also requires sustained investment in higher education. Laboratory development, research capacity building, research centers of excellence, and collaboration with various parties are crucial in building a national innovation foundation. These steps are expected to accelerate the development of value-added technologies while reducing dependence on foreign technology.
Indonesia has enormous potential to develop research based on its natural resources and biodiversity. With the support of a strong research ecosystem, this potential can be transformed into innovations that not only increase economic value but also strengthen national independence. In this regard, universities hold a strategic position as centers of human resource development, research, and technological development.
Strengthening national research is also strengthened through the development of a National Research Roadmap and Agenda, developed jointly by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek). BRIN Head Arif Satria explained that the document will serve as the primary guideline for Indonesian research development until 2045. The agenda is designed to align research direction across universities, BRIN, and various stakeholders, ensuring it aligns with the development direction set by the government.
According to Arif, the roadmap will provide a clearer direction for Indonesia’s technological development. In addition to serving as a compass for national technological development, the research agenda is also expected to serve as a crucial foundation for driving Indonesia’s sustainable industrialization process. Thus, research results will not only generate new knowledge but also strengthen the industrial sector and enhance national competitiveness.
Collaboration between government, academia, and industry is crucial in addressing increasingly complex global challenges. Issues such as climate change, the food crisis, technological disruption, and international economic competition require science-based solutions. Therefore, cross-sector synergy is a prerequisite for translating research findings into public policies and innovations that directly benefit society.
Strengthening research also opens up greater opportunities for the younger generation to contribute through research and innovation. Students, lecturers, and researchers have the opportunity to develop various technologies that can meet national needs while strengthening Indonesia’s scientific culture.
Ultimately, strengthening research is not just an academic agenda, but a crucial part of the national development strategy. When universities become centers of innovation, the government provides clear policy direction, and the industrial sector is ready to adopt research findings, Indonesia has a greater opportunity to build a knowledge-based economy. This new path, which places research as the foundation of development, is a strategic step in realizing a more independent, competitive nation capable of facing future challenges through the power of science and innovation.
*) The author is a Content Writer at Galaswara Digital Bureau