Note: Muhammad Nur
This morning’s book tour discussed my book bearing the same title as this article. I provided a concise, compelling summary of the book’s chapters, focusing especially on the future prospects. As usual, I felt very inspired when talking about innovation—it’s like “magic coffee” that instantly brightens my mind. And this morning, more than a hundred participants were “provoked” by the expressions I enthusiastically conveyed from the book.
Chapter 1: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a powerful catalyst for innovation across sectors—from healthcare and education to digital business. This global crisis forced humanity to think quickly and develop adaptive solutions. Scientists and innovators played a central role in creating vaccines, advancing telemedicine, and developing ozone and plasma technologies. The challenges within Indonesia’s innovation ecosystem were highlighted, particularly the need for synergy between research, policy, and the courage for sustainable innovation. The pandemic served as an urgent call to innovate. It accelerated the adoption of technologies like telemedicine, e-learning, and ozonization, which had previously progressed slowly. The world was forced to change, and scientists led the charge. But this transformation must not be temporary—it must lay the foundation for a new civilization.
”Innovation is no longer a choice in times of crisis—it is a requirement for survival and progress.”.
Chapter 2: From Crisis to the Rise of Innovation
The pandemic crisis accelerated technological adoption and expanded innovation space. From mRNA vaccines to telemedicine and online learning, various technologies saw a surge in usage. In Indonesia, innovations like Zeta Green and horticultural ozonization technology emerged. The pandemic became a turning point for applied science, not only in saving lives but also in strengthening a technology-based economic and social foundation. The challenge now is to keep the innovative spirit alive in the post-pandemic era. Crises pave the way for breakthroughs. Technologies such as mRNA vaccines, Zeta Green, and horticultural ozonization developed rapidly, proving humanity’s ability to adapt under pressure. Indonesia was no exception to this momentum.
”Every crisis is a window of opportunity—and great nations are those bold enough to fling it wide open.”
Chapter 3: Creating a Sustainable Innovation Ecosystem
A healthy innovation ecosystem is built on strong collaboration between government, universities, and industry. Indonesia must learn from developed countries about the vital role of research in national advancement. Innovation must become a culture, not just a project. Collaborative efforts can accelerate technology downstreaming, foster national self-reliance, and make innovation a driving force of national development. Innovation does not grow in a vacuum—it requires a collaborative ecosystem between universities, the government, and industry. Indonesia must develop systems that encourage experimentation and provide room for constructive failure.
”Innovation grows not just because of superior seeds, but because the soil and environment allow it to thrive.”.
Chapter 4: The Role of Universities in Driving Innovation
Universities must become centers of research and innovation excellence—not merely educational institutions. They are expected to build a strong research culture, encourage cross-sector collaboration, and connect laboratories with the needs of industries and communities. Campuses should not only produce journals but also real-world solutions to national challenges. A university should not just be an ivory tower—it must become a solution factory, a bridge between theory and application, and a cradle for policies and technologies that address the needs of the times.
“The university of the future is not just a place for learning, but a battlefield for building a knowledge-based civilization.”
Chapter 5: From Research to Technology Commercialization
Research downstreaming is the key to transforming knowledge into real impact. This chapter outlines strategies for ensuring research results do not remain in laboratories but become products, technologies, and services used by the public. Case studies of academic spin-offs in Indonesia and other countries illustrate the importance of science-based business models and the role of incubators in realizing an innovation-based economy. Research outputs must evolve into real products. This chapter highlights the importance of downstreaming and science-based business models. Spin-off case studies such as PPT Dipo Technology demonstrate how research can thrive in the marketplace.
”Science is not just for journals—it’s meant to change the world.”
Chapter 6: Scientists as Innovators
Today’s scientists cannot remain confined to labs—they are required to be innovators and agents of social change. This chapter portrays the transformative journey from academic to tech entrepreneur. With entrepreneurial skills, collaboration, and leadership, scientists can create applicable, globally competitive solutions. Modern scientists are challenged to go beyond the lab—to become innovation leaders and tech entrepreneurs. With the right mix of knowledge and courage, they can address the nation’s problems.
“A true scientist is not merely a seeker of answers, but a creator of the future.”
Chapter 7: Technology and Science-Based Business Models
Innovation needs a strong business model. Science and technology must be packaged into adaptive and sustainable enterprises. This chapter discusses how to design science-based businesses, the challenges of building research-based companies, and the crucial role of incubators, venture capital, and supporting ecosystems in bringing technology from idea to market.
“Science that doesn’t take root in society will wither before it blooms.”
Chapter 8: Toward an Innovation-Based Indonesia
Indonesia must chart a path as an innovation-based nation to face the future. This requires a roadmap involving visionary policy, research investment, and academic courage to build the nation. The chapter offers concrete strategies for embedding innovation as the foundation of civilization and welfare. Innovation must be instilled as a culture. Clear steps are offered for academics, the government, and industries to collaborate in building an excellent Indonesia. The nation must set a new course: to become innovation-driven, with national roadmaps, research investments, and supportive policies as the foundation. Academics hold a key responsibility in steering the nation.
“A great country is not built on wealth, but on the courage to dream and innovate. It’s time to act. Science without action is merely discourse; innovation without courage is just a fantasy.”
Chapter 9: Building Technological Resilience in the Post-Pandemic Era
Technological resilience is crucial in a world full of disruptions. Indonesia must develop strategic technologies such as ozonization, plasma, and artificial intelligence to support national industries. Young scientists are encouraged to take the lead in defending the nation’s technological sovereignty. The future of the nation depends on domestic technologies—from ozonization and plasma to AI. This chapter emphasizes the need for technological independence so that Indonesia is not dependent on other countries.
“Whoever masters technology, writes the history of the world.”
Chapter 10: Conclusion & Recommendations
The final chapter summarizes the importance of building a strong and sustainable innovation ecosystem. It provides actionable steps for academics, policymakers, and industry players to synergize. The author calls on Indonesian scientists and innovators to take real action in shaping the future through courage, creativity, and dedication to science. Innovation must be embedded as a culture. Concrete steps are presented for collaboration between academia, government, and industry in building a stronger Indonesia.
“It’s time to act. Science without action is merely discourse; innovation without courage is just a fantasy.“