The Agent, Goal, Driver, Process of the SUIJI Program: International Grassroot Social Innovation

What is it about?

International collaboration is increasingly recognized as a significant driver in addressing social and environmental challenges, particularly through grassroots social innovation. This study uses the capability approach to explore the role of the Six Universities Initiative Japan-Indonesia (SUIJI) in supporting community-based social innovation in Indonesia. The aim is to analyze how cross-cultural collaboration between Japanese and Indonesian students influences the capabilities of local communities. This research employs a qualitative approach with a case study method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis. The research participants included students, faculty members, and local community leaders in the SUIJI program. The main findings reveal that the program successfully enhanced the capabilities of local communities in Indonesia through active participation in collaborative projects, particularly in organic farming and environmental conservation. The involved communities demonstrated an increased capacity to participate in decision-making processes and to develop sustainable local solutions. These findings align with existing literature on the importance of community-based social innovation for achieving long-term sustainability and local empowerment. However, this study also uncovered significant challenges related to the cultural adaptation of Japanese students, who are accustomed to more structured work systems, when interacting with local communities that adopt a more informal and flexible approach. The curriculum differences between Indonesian and Japanese universities, particularly regarding programs like Kuliah Kerja Nyata (KKN) at Universitas Hasanuddin, emerged as a key factor influencing students’ ability to navigate local social dynamics. Based on these findings, there is a need for curriculum adaptation in universities involved in cross-cultural collaborations to ensure that students acquire the social and cultural skills necessary for effectively engaging with local communities in developing countries. From a policy perspective, integrating experiential learning programs, such as KKN, into international higher education would facilitate students’ readiness to adapt to different social environments and promote sustainable social innovation through direct community engagement. For future research, several areas warrant further exploration. One area is how cultural differences and education systems between countries can be managed more effectively within international collaboration programs. Additionally, further studies are needed to assess how grassroots social innovation models facilitated by universities can be expanded to other countries and how factors such as resources, policies, and infrastructure influence the success of such programs. In conclusion, this study makes a significant contribution by strengthening the link between social innovation, international collaboration, and higher education. By identifying the challenges and opportunities in collaborative projects like SUIJI, this research provides practical insights for policymakers, academics, and practitioners interested in advancing sustainable development through cross-border collaboration and community-based initiatives

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Photo by Maximus Beaumont on Unsplash

Photo by Maximus Beaumont on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study highlights the significant role of international collaboration in supporting Grassroots Social Innovation (GSI) through a program called the Six Universities Initiative Japan-Indonesia (SUIJI) program. This study underscores the critical role of community ownership, local capacity building, and institutional support in sustaining grassroots innovation. Furthermore, it provides valuable insights into how the integration of the capability approach within social innovation practices can have a transformative impact on cross-national educational collaborations