The Indonesian government is prioritising expansion of higher education, research, and innovation as vital elements in moving up the value chain and maintaining Indonesia’s current impressive economic growth rates. Following the the signing of the Education MoU by Presiden Soesilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Prime Minister David Cameron in London last year, the British Council in Indonesia proudly organises the very first Science and Innovation Conference which takes place in Jakarta from 17 to 19 September 2013. Attended by more than 100 delegates comprised of representatives from both countries’ universities, independent research institutions, and commercial enterprises, the UK and Indonesia are gearing up to undertake joint research in the areas of renewable energy, food security, health and environment/biodiversity.
The UK has a strong record in science and innovation and can help encourage greater support for science and innovation development in Indonesia. The long term impact will be to position the UK as the partner of choice in key areas of science and innovation through the establishment of continuing sustainable thought leadership, knowledge transfer, and business links. The British Council and the Foreign Commonwealth Office are looking to establish institutional and business links to help facilitate this. There will be commercial benefits for Indonesian companies as they benefit from collaboration with UK universities and businesses.
“The benefits of these partnerships are numerous: researchers and businesses gain access to complementary knowledge, new technologies, facilities and new markets - and taking products and services overseas can drive innovative new solutions with the potential to solve issues that affect the world,” said Sally Goggin, British Council Indonesia Country Director.
The conference is expected to produce agreement on key areas of focus in science and innovation and to establish Collaborative Forums which will produce three-year development plans in four particular areas of science and innova¬tion development. It is envisaged that these forums will work together to secure further funding for their respective projects. The ultimate aim is to produce innovative outcomes that bring benefit to Indonesia’s economy and society.