Strengthening Global Partnerships: BRIN Collaborates with WAITRO, JITRI, ISTIC and PT. Martina Berto, Tbk. at InaRI Expo 2024

Cibinong, 11 August 2024 – On the closing day of the Indonesia Research and Innovation Expo 2024 (InaRI Expo 2024), the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) successfully hosted a high-profile talk show focused on global partnerships to enhance the utilization of research and innovation.

The event was opened by Dr. Hendrian, Deputy Chairman for Research and Innovation Utilization at BRIN. In his remarks, Dr. Hendrian emphasized the critical importance of collaboration in today’s world, stating, “In this era of unprecedented global challenges, collaboration is more important than ever. We must unite across disciplines and nations, holding hands together whoever we are: Government, academicians from universities or research institutions, experts/practitioners of international organizations, and industrial stakeholders, to share knowledge and resources, to tackle the most pressing issues facing the world’s sustainability.”

The talk show, titled “Global Partnerships in Research and Innovation Utilization,” featured a distinguished panel of speakers who shared their insights and experiences in fostering international collaborations. The session was moderated by Dr. Dipl. Mulyadi Sinung Harjono, Director of Research and Innovation Utilization by Industries at BRIN, who emphasized the critical role of partnerships in advancing research from the laboratory to real-world applications.

Professor ChM. Dr. Mohd. Basyaruddin Abdul Rahman, Chair of the Governing Board of the International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre for South-South Cooperation under the auspices of UNESCO (ISTIC), discussed ISTIC’s efforts to promote South-South cooperation and the exchange of scientific knowledge among developing countries. He highlighted the importance of further collaboration between research centers to co-create impactful solutions, particularly in areas like clean energy development, which are vital for strengthening South-South cooperation.

Dr. Paul E. Burrows, Vice President of the Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute (JITRI) and Secretary General of WAITRO, provided insights into how WAITRO facilitates strategic collaborations. He emphasized the need to align research with market demands, ensuring that research outcomes are practical and impactful. “It’s crucial that we connect research with industry demands. If governments create the right market conditions, industry will naturally follow, and research will find its practical application”, Dr. Burrows stated. He also highlighted the importance of market validation, stressing that understanding what industries need is essential to ensure that research is relevant and can be successfully implemented.

Mr. Bryan David Emil Tilaar, President Director of PT. Martina Berto, Tbk. (Martha Tilaar Group), offered a perspective from the private sector, advocating for open innovation. He explained how this approach allows companies to integrate external ideas and technologies, accelerating product development and enhancing competitiveness. He emphasized the necessity of greater collaboration between industry and research institutions to drive economic growth and meet consumer needs.

During the event, a Letter of Intent on strengthening Science, Technology, and Innovation Cooperation was signed between BRIN and the ISTIC. This agreement marks a significant milestone for BRIN, serving as a stepping stone to further collaboration with ISTIC and its affiliates. As a key player in the South-South cooperation network, Indonesia is poised to take on a significant role in multilateral efforts to strengthen cooperation among South-South countries and bridge the North-South relations gap, particularly in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.

Video recoding of the TALK SHOW session is available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxMuMo3hF0c

This news article is provided by BRIN.