GRASSROOTS SOCIAL INNOVATION THROUGH INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY COLLABORATION: LESSONS FROM THE SUIJI PROGRAM

Abstract

This study explores the implementation of grassroots social innovation within the Six Universities Initiative Japan-Indonesia (SUIJI) program by analyzing four key dimensions: agents, goals, drivers, and processes. The aim of this research is to understand how cross-national collaboration between universities in Indonesia and Japan can facilitate sustainable innovation in local communities, particularly in the fields of agriculture and environmental conservation. A qualitative approach was employed, incorporating in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis. The agents dimension highlights the roles of students, faculty members, and community leaders as the primary drivers of innovation. The primary objectives of the program are community empowerment and the development of sustainable solutions. The drivers of innovation emerge from pressing local needs to address social and environmental challenges. The innovation process unfolds through participatory co-creation, involving communities in both decision-making and project implementation. The findings indicate that active involvement of local communities and students in the innovation process leads to relevant and sustainable solutions. Cross-national collaboration enriches the innovation process through the exchange of knowledge and technology, although challenges related to cultural differences and resource limitations remain. These findings underscore the importance of service-learning and cross-national collaboration in social innovation, as well as their policy implications for expanding positive impacts at both local and global levels.