Mataram, University of Mataram – In today’s increasingly competitive marketplace, strengthening the competitiveness of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) requires far more than expanding production capacity. Standardization, innovation, and strategic collaboration have become essential drivers for enabling local products to compete in broader markets and create sustainable economic value. Reflecting this shared commitment, the University of Mataram (Unram) welcomed representatives from the West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Office of Trade, the National Standardization Agency of Indonesia (BSN), and other key stakeholders for a strategic dialogue held at the Rector’s Meeting Room on Tuesday (28 July 2026).

The discussion focused on strengthening collaboration between government, higher education, and national standardization institutions to accelerate MSME development, innovation commercialization, laboratory capacity enhancement, and the alignment of community empowerment programs. Beyond institutional cooperation, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to translating research and innovation into tangible economic and social impact while strengthening the competitiveness of local industries.

The initiative also contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by strengthening MSMEs, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through innovation and standardization, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering cross-sector collaboration.

H. Lalu Wiranata, Head of the West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Office of Trade, conveyed the Provincial Government’s commitment to enabling more micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to become more competitive through compliance with the Indonesian National Standard (SNI). He emphasized that improving product quality must be supported by robust certification systems, credible testing laboratories, and accredited institutions capable of ensuring the quality and reliability of locally produced goods.

As a concrete follow-up to this commitment, the Provincial Office of Trade plans to establish a formal cooperation agreement with the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) at the University of Mataram. The partnership is expected to create broader opportunities for faculty members, researchers, and students to contribute to MSME development through innovation, technology transfer, and the implementation of national quality standards.

H. Lalu Wiranata also proposed the utilization of the Province’s Packaging Center and Balai Kita as dedicated showcase venues for local MSME products, while serving as collaborative spaces where University of Mataram students can contribute fresh perspectives on product design, branding, marketing strategies, and business innovation to strengthen the competitiveness of local enterprises.

During the meeting, he further outlined plans to develop the West Nusa Tenggara Trade Statistics Book, which is scheduled to receive government funding beginning next year. The publication is intended to serve as an evidence-based reference for regional trade policymaking. He also highlighted the Provincial Government’s preparations for the development of the Integrated Fisheries Industrial Estate, a strategic initiative that will require multidisciplinary expertise from the University of Mataram to support its long-term implementation.

The discussion also highlighted the Food Self-Reliant Village and Export Village flagship programs, both designed to strengthen rural economies by enhancing high-value local commodities, expanding market access, and improving the competitiveness of locally produced goods. These initiatives contribute directly to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by promoting more resilient and sustainable food systems while creating new economic opportunities for rural communities.

Responding to these collaborative opportunities, University of Mataram Rector Prof. Sukardi affirmed the University’s readiness to maximize the shared use of its laboratory facilities through a collaborative framework involving the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) and the University’s Academic Laboratory Management Unit (UPA Laboratory). He emphasized that beyond supporting education and research, the University’s laboratories can also serve as strategic infrastructure for product testing, quality assurance, and innovation to strengthen the competitiveness of regional industries.

Prof. Sukardi also underscored the importance of providing students with more immersive industry-based learning experiences. He proposed expanding internship opportunities of up to one year, with placements recognized as equivalent to a final-year project or undergraduate thesis. Such an approach, he noted, would better equip graduates with industry-relevant competencies while responding to the evolving demands of the workforce.

Looking ahead, Prof. Sukardi reaffirmed Unram’s commitment to supporting the West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government’s community empowerment initiatives, including the Empowered Villages (Desa Berdaya) program, through the active involvement of students, faculty members, and professors in community engagement and capacity-building activities. According to him, strong partnerships between universities and regional governments are essential to ensuring that education, research, and innovation generate meaningful and lasting benefits for society.

As part of its commitment to accelerating innovation commercialization, Unram is also preparing to establish a Center of Excellence that integrates expertise in animal science, fisheries, agriculture, and industry. The center is envisioned as an interdisciplinary platform that fosters collaboration to strengthen food security while accelerating the development and real-world application of innovations that address regional needs.

To further strengthen this collaboration, the Rector requested data on villages supported by the West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Office of Trade to align Unram’s community engagement and capacity-building programs with the Province’s development priorities. Such coordination is expected to create greater synergy among initiatives, maximize resources, and generate broader and more sustainable impacts for local communities.

Meanwhile, I Wayan Sudiarta, Ph.D., Secretary of the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), explained that Unram continues to develop its Innovation Hub (Rumah Inovasi) as a platform for research commercialization and technology transfer. The initiative is designed to bridge university research with the needs of industry and society while creating new opportunities for collaboration with the Provincial Office of Trade in advancing innovation and strengthening the competitiveness of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

Support for these efforts was also reaffirmed by the National Standardization Agency of Indonesia (BSN), which expressed its commitment to strengthening regional laboratories and certification bodies. BSN noted that both MSMEs in West Nusa Tenggara and Unram’s laboratory facilities possess significant potential but would benefit from further guidance in meeting national quality standards. To support this process, the Agency offered access to technical data, standardization resources, and capacity-building programmes tailored to the needs of individual faculties across the University.

The strategic dialogue marked an important step toward strengthening collaboration among government, higher education, and national standardization institutions. By connecting research, innovation, laboratory expertise, and community engagement within an integrated ecosystem, Unram continues to reinforce its role as a university that not only generates knowledge but also translates it into practical solutions for regional development. Through partnerships driven by innovation and societal impact, the University remains committed to fostering more competitive MSMEs, advancing regional industries, and contributing to inclusive and sustainable economic growth across West Nusa Tenggara.