Develop Digital Technology, the State Must Support Innovation and Research

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BANDUNG—The state plays a very important role in the development of digital technology. One of them is creating policies that support innovation and research. Currently, the use of digital technology can easily be found in every aspect of human life. Not only by individuals, the use of digital technology is also used in government administration.

According to the Executive Director of the Center for Security and Foreign Affairs (CESFAS) Dary Mulyaman, who is also a lecturer in International Relations, in Indonesia the development of digital technology itself has been quite massive. One of them can be seen from the emergence of many companies in the technology-based infrastructure sector that provide digitally integrated information system services.

“From here we can observe that digital technology has become an important pillar in the progress of a nation in the era of globalization,” said Dary in his official statement, Saturday (13/4/2024).

According to him, countries that are able to develop digital technology independently and utilize it optimally have a significant competitive advantage. In this context, the role of the state is very important in supporting the development and use of digital technology in various sectors of life.

Dary believes that one of the main roles of the state in developing digital technology is to create policies that support innovation and research. The state can provide incentives, subsidies or research funds for educational institutions, research institutions and industry to encourage new discoveries and the development of innovative technology.

“With supportive policies in place, researchers and innovators will feel encouraged to continue developing their brilliant ideas,” he said.

The good role of the state, he said, would ideally be directly proportional to the progress of powerful digital technology. The state has a big influence because it holds a budget that can be allocated to increase the research and development (R&D) budget to increase the level or type of technology used, because there are many state instruments for this, which have been merged into BRIN, (previously there was LIPI, BPPT, BATAN, LAPAN, etc.).

“Nevertheless, in an open economic climate like now, since the reform era, it doesn’t actually have to be the state, the private sector can also play an active role in developing technological R&D. Examples include Gojek as an on demand platform, ⁠⁠Shopee as an e-commerce platform, and Radika Karya Utama and Integra Indonesia as technology infrastructure platforms,” ​​explained Dary.

According to him, apart from creating supportive policies, the state also has a responsibility to ensure adequate technological infrastructure. Infrastructure such as a fast and extensive internet network, accessibility to technological devices, and the provision of technology-based public services are very important things to ensure that society can feel the benefits of technological developments.

The country needs to invest and even collaborate with local parties and the private sector in developing this infrastructure so as not to be left behind in global competition. “An example of a country that has successfully combined private and state collaboration is Samsung, which was able to be successful and even compete directly with the technology giant Apple from the United States, and was able to compete closely because of solid private and state collaboration,” said Dary.

Furthermore, the role of the state in creating a conducive environment for the development of startups and the technology industry is vital. The state can provide various facilities such as subsidized office space, easy access to business capital, training and mentoring for young entrepreneurs or startups.

“With this support, technology industry players can develop more quickly and contribute to the country’s economic growth,” he said.

Not only that, Dary said the state also has a role in regulating and supervising technological developments to ensure that their use does not have a negative impact on society and the environment. Clear and firm regulations are needed to regulate the ethical and responsible use of technology.

“Apart from that, the state also needs to ensure the protection of personal data and cyber security for its citizens to prevent detrimental misuse of technology,” he said.