Accelerating Research Downstream
Accelerating Research Downstream

Indonesia is one of the countries that has not been able to develop research to support industry. The majority of research results only end up in libraries or are published in scientific journals. Meanwhile, research that leads to industry and policy making has not yet been carried out much. This article seeks to discuss downstream research as one of the acceleration efforts towards a Golden Indonesia 2045.

Research downstreaming refers to the process of transforming knowledge and research findings into products or services that have added value. This includes steps such as technological development, production and marketing of innovative products based on the results of scientific or technological research. By involving these various stages, downstream research aims to apply and commercialize research findings so that they can have a greater economic and social impact.

For example, in an industrial context, downstream research can include developing new technology in a research laboratory, then turning it into a product that can be marketed and sold to consumers. This process involves steps such as product design, prototype testing, and development of efficient production processes.

By conducting downstream research, countries or research institutions aim to maximize the benefits of their research results, both economically and socially. These downstream steps can include technology transfer, the establishment of research-based businesses, or partnerships between research institutions and the industrial sector to commercialize these discoveries.

Deep Interest

Research downstreaming has deep importance in the context of economic development. Here are several reasons why downstream research is important to do. First, downstream research enables the transformation of knowledge and ideas into products or services that have added value. In this way, the country can increase its competitiveness in the global market by offering innovative and high-quality products.

Second, the research downstream process involves a number of steps, such as development, production and marketing of innovative products. This creates new job opportunities in various sectors, increasing the skills and productivity of the workforce.

Third, by producing more advanced and value-added products, downstream research can increase a country's export attractiveness. This contributes to increased income through international trade and reduces dependence on exports of raw materials.

Fourth, downstream research helps in diversifying a country's economic structure. By developing various industrial sectors that are more advanced and innovative, countries can reduce the risks associated with dependence on certain sectors and increase economic resilience.

Fifth, the integration of research results into the economic sector encourages innovative activities. This can stimulate the development of new technologies, increase production efficiency, and create an environment that supports new discoveries.

Sixth, downstream research makes a country more resilient to global market fluctuations and changes in the world economy. By having a more resilient and independent industrial sector, the country can better face economic challenges.

Seventh, through downstream research, society can gain access to more sophisticated and useful products and services. It can improve the quality of life by providing innovative solutions to various social and environmental challenges.

Eighth, the implementation of downstream research encourages investment in infrastructure and increases human resource capacity. This creates an environment that supports the development of a more advanced and sustainable industrial sector.