Tropical Seaweed Innovation Network to Business Through Virtual Networking
Tropical Seaweed Innovation Network (TSIN), a virtual web base networking among R&D centres in Indonesia for Tropical Seaweed has been launched by Minister of Marine and Fisheries Affairs (MOMAF) of Indonesia, HE Edhy Prabowo (13/12/19)
TSIN is platform for researchers, experts and also industry in seaweed to work together, establish synergies and collaboration in research and development for seaweed, seaweed product, and bring innovation into business communities. The platform funded by SMART-Fish Programme phase 1 (2014-2019) as part of SECO (Swiss) which is jointly implemented by MOMAF and UNIDO to improve competitiveness of the Indonesian seaweed industry. In the seaweed value chain the programme covers 23 districts in 8 provinces throughout Indonesia.
Head of SECO Representative for Indonesia, Mr. Remy Duiven and UNIDO Representative for Indonesia and Timor Leste, Mr. Esam Alqararah, joined the Minister for the launching which was held in conjunction with the National Fish Day celebration organized by the MOMAF at Jakarta Convention Centre and attended by over 1000 people from all over Indonesia including fisheries and seaweed associations.
Seaweeds is one of Indonesia’s potential marine commodities that contribute to the national revenue and income for the local communities. As one of the largest seaweeds producers in the world, Indonesia plays an important role in seaweeds chain. Innovation, product development and good knowledge on seaweed market trends are keys areas to be competitive in the global market. Fast changing buyers and consumers requirements for seaweed products have posed threats as well as opportunities for the Indonesian seaweed industry.
Public efforts in seaweed Research & Development and Innovation in Indonesia are scattered across a wide range of research institutes and universities, with qualified staff, but usually not fully dedicated to seaweed. While collaborations between institutions exist, it would be beneficial to increase the interactions between these institutions to combine expertise and equipment under a more global strategy. In parallel, it appears that interactions of public research with the industry are limited and focused mostly on dissemination/transfer. An earlier involvement of industry partners in the research strategy would be beneficial to develop market-driven R&D and Innovation.
TSIN is now managed by MOMAF as coordinator and it has 27 members of R&D centres under different ministries and universities, over 150 experts. The TSIN website contains general profiles of the R&D centres, their services, experts and expertise, products developed and focus areas of their works.
Source : https://seaweednetwork.id/bringing-innovation-to-business-through-virtual-networking#
