IPB University Promotes Global Collaboration on the Blue Economy through Inflection 2026
IPB University is strengthening its position as a leader in the Global South in the fields of maritime affairs, marine science, and fisheries by hosting The 2nd International Conference on Blue Economy and Techno SocionEnvironmental Innovation (Inflection 2026). The event was held at the IPB Taman Kencana Campus in Bogor on (5/19).
This international conference brought together participants and speakers from various countries, including Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Japan, China, Australia, Turkey, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Germany, Hong Kong, and Tanzania. The forum served as a space for research collaboration, innovation, and the strengthening of international networks in the development of the blue economy.
IPB University Rector Dr Alim Setiawan welcomed the conference and emphasized that the blue economy cannot be viewed solely from an economic perspective.
“The blue economy must not be viewed solely from an economic perspective, but rather understood as a unity of social-ecological, technological, and academic dimensions. Science and technology must be connected to the real needs of society in an inclusive manner,” he stated.
This conference is expected to serve as a forum for global scientific dialogue, a regional platform to strengthen sustainable development in ASEAN, and a catalyst for new innovations and collective action in building a productive, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable economy.
The Chairman of the Center for Coastal and Marine Resources Studies (PKSPL) at IPB, Prof Yonvitner, described Inflection 2026 as a key opportunity to expand research collaboration.
“This Inflection event is an opportunity to showcase our achievements. PKSPL will strengthen collaboration with various national and international researchers in the field of the blue economy,” he said.
He added that this forum also strengthens connectivity between the IPB academic community and students, speakers, and international partners, while increasing the involvement of the younger generation in global forums.
Meanwhile, Prof Luky Adrianto, Chairman of the International Research Institute for Maritime, Marine, and Fisheries (LRI-iMAR), emphasized that Inflection 2026 serves as a platform to elevate IPB University’s position as a leader in the Global South, particularly in the Asia Pacific region.
“The blue economy is not merely a conceptual or theoretical framework; it must be implemented and localized to yield tangible impacts both on the environment and on the socio-economic well being of communities,” he stated.
He also stressed that research and innovation must deliver direct impacts. “Research and innovation are not just about publications; they are about how their impacts can be felt by the community in both social and economic terms,” he said.
At this forum, IPB University also emphasized the strengthening of microalgae research commercialization through the Indonesian Microalgae Association (ASMI), as a platform for collaboration among researchers, academics, industry representatives, and business leaders.
Through Inflection 2026, IPB University hopes to expand international collaboration, strengthen maritime diplomacy, and deliver research innovations that have a tangible impact on coastal, island, river, and other aquatic communities. (*/Rz)(IAAS/ALY)
