Research & Business Forum #2: Businesses vs Political Situation
The Research & Business Forum (FRB) #2 was held on Wednesday, 29 November 2017, under the title of “Businesses vs Political Situation”. The Forum that took place at Knowledge Sector Initiative (KSI) offices, on the 9th floor of Ratu Plaza Office Building, Jakarta, discussed the relationship between policy research institutes (PRIs) and the private sector, and companies’ need for policy-oriented research. The topic was selected to shed more lights to the intricacies of decision-making process in the corporate world on the needs for research and advocacy that have consequences to public policy, which might or might not affect their businesses.
The resource persons from the PRIs were M. Nur Sholikin of PSHK, Noory Okthariza of CSIS, and Asmoro Hadiyanto of DIPI. They shared PRIs’ experience in collaborating with the private sector before a number of audiences from Freeport, Indofood, and other companies, as well as guests from NGOs and other PRIs under Aliansi Riset Kebijakan/ARK (Policy Research Alliance).
Research and Business Forum #2 discussed about political surveys that might influence businesses. PRIs also mentioned that their other marketable services include training and advocacy.
Like the previous one, this Forum also highlighted the need to bridge the divide between supply and demand sides of Knowledge Sector ecosystem. A discussion forum like this one was considered beneficial for all parties in facilitating a hub where the two sides meet. All participants agreed that one of the key element in bridging the gap was trust building. Based on that trust they could communicate more openly and share their offers and needs in order to identify their shared vision and common interest, which in the end could lead to partnership.
The Forum was attended by 25 participants from private sector (including companies, philanthropies, and news media), and research institutions. Ananta Gondomono, CCPHI Partnership Building Officer, took the role as the moderator.