Yogyakarta, January 16th 2025 – The Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a Collaboration Workshop with the topic “Strengthening Institutional Capacity and Synchronization of UGM Graduate School Collaboration”. This activity is one of the strategic steps to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through strengthening institutional partnerships.
This workshop presented two main speakers who are experts in their respective fields. Prof. Dr. apt. Puji Astuti, S.Si., M.Sc., from the Directorate of Partnership and Global Relations, presented material entitled “Policy Direction and Projection of UGM Collaboration”. Prof. Puji highlighted the importance of expanding the global cooperation network to support the tridharma program of higher education, while increasing UGM’s competitiveness at the international level. “Directed and strategic cooperation is the key to strengthening institutional capacity, while opening up opportunities for collaboration that can have a real impact on achieving the SDGs,” said Prof. Puji in his presentation. Strengthening strategies that must be considered in future plans include the integration of partnerships in strategic plans, policy and organizational support, and digital transformation.
SPs UGM has the opportunity to expand its network of cooperation with institutions abroad, which can improve its reputation and global competitiveness. By utilizing digital platforms such as LENTERA for managing cooperation that is integrated with the financial and HR systems, increasing efficiency and effectiveness in collaboration, so that there is an opportunity to utilize creative funding sources from partners, which can support strategic and innovative programs.
However, in this case, there are certainly challenges. For example, challenges in coordinating and facilitating cooperation at various levels (universities, faculties, and work units) which may hinder the effectiveness of collaboration, so that competent and highly dedicated human resources are needed to anticipate these challenges. Changes in government policies or other external conditions can also affect the partnerships that have been built, thus requiring fast and precise performance adaptation in adapting to any changing system.
The second speaker, Dr. Agr.Sc. Ir. Hatma Suryatmojo, S.Hut., M.Sc., IPU ASEAN Eng., from the Directorate of Academic Studies and Innovation, delivered a presentation entitled “DKIA Education Program in the Cooperation Scheme”. Dr. Hatma explained how the DKIA Education Program (Directorate of Academic Studies and Innovation) can be a strategic platform for developing cooperation, especially in terms of academic innovation and developing superior human resources. According to Dr. Hatma, “With an adaptive cooperation scheme, UGM Graduate School can play an important role in creating innovative programs that are in line with the SDGs agenda, especially in the fields of quality education and industrial innovation.”
This workshop is expected to be a starting point for the UGM Graduate School to strengthen cooperation strategies that support the university’s global vision. With the spirit of collaboration and strengthening of human resource capabilities, it is hoped that this institution can make a real contribution in achieving the SDGs, especially in the fields of education, research, and innovation.
Author: Burhanul Aqil