The Faculty of Economics and Business Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM) continues strengthening its role in implementing the three pillars of higher education. One of its strategic steps is expanding the scope of the Entrepreneurship Studies into the Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and MSMEs Studies. This transformation aims to present studies more relevant to the economy’s dynamics while reinforcing FEB UGM’s contribution to developing innovation-based entrepreneurship and empowering MSMEs.
Coordinator of the Entrepreneurship and MSMEs Studies, Rico Saktiawan Jang Jaya, S.E., M.B.A., Ph.D., stated that this change aligns with FEB UGM’s vision of nurturing future leaders in economics and business through education, research, and community service with a broad impact. He says entrepreneurship cannot stand alone without innovation and support for MSMEs. He described entrepreneurship as the engine of the economy, innovation as its primary fuel, and MSMEs as the tangible manifestation of entrepreneurship.
“By integrating these three aspects, this study area is expected to design more comprehensive policies and studies. It will not only encourage the emergence of new entrepreneurs but also ensure that these entrepreneurs grow through innovation and ecosystem support from MSMEs, with more in-depth study focuses,” he said recently.
The study area continues to expand its contributions through research, faculty and student involvement, academic assistants, and community service programs, including training for MSME players. Scientific studies will continue to follow trends, such as digital entrepreneurship and academic entrepreneurship research. Several training programs occurred during its leadership transition, including Basic and Advanced MSME Training, MSME Mentoring Bootcamp, and Bootcamp Plus MSME Business Matching. Other programs include Entrepreneurship Sessions, Social Entrepreneurship, and Family Business.
Rico further explained that in the future, his division will continue to strengthen collaborations with partners, including alums and MSMEs around the campus. One of the prepared initiatives involves mapping alums engaged in entrepreneurship to invite them as guest speakers and build sustainable connections with MSMEs. It strengthens long-term relationships with entrepreneurs while maintaining sustainable ties with MSMEs.
“We hope that our study area can serve as a reference point for other entrepreneurship study areas nationwide in strengthening programs and building stronger networks,” he concluded.
Reporter: Shofi Hawa Anjani
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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