UNAIR NEWS The annual Days of Research and Innovation (DRI) WEEK 2026 once again served as a platform to showcase leading innovations from 51 (UNAIR). One of the sessions that drew attention was an in-depth discussion titled Social Innovation: If STEM Has Patents, What Do We Have?. The discussion aimed to challenge the perception that intellectual property (IP) protection is dominated by science and technology fields while examining the strategic role of social sciences and humanities research within the national innovation ecosystem.
Social research takes stage at DRI WEEK 2026
The event began with remarks from Yanuardi Raharjo, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. During the DRI WEEK forum, Raharjo emphasized that research downstreaming must be inclusive across all academic disciplines. He underscored that social innovation plays a crucial role in addressing the root causes of societal issues.
According to him, social research should not remain as mere documentation but must transform into protected assets that generate tangible value for society. Social research should not only become stacks of paper or remain on library shelves. It must transform into legally protected assets that can deliver real value to the wider community, he emphasized.
Not about profit, but about control
In the main session, Andrieansjah, Director of Patents, DTLST, and RD at the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DJKI), explained that the answer to what do we have lies in control and attribution through instruments such as Communal Intellectual Property (KIK) and Copyright.
He stated, In essence, in social humanities, this is not about profit but about control, how to manage rights so they can be properly accessed and utilized.
He further warned of the risks if social innovation develops without clear legal protection amid globalization. Without proper protection, social innovation can easily be taken by others, leaving communities without benefit, he emphasized. This is crucial to ensure that local communities maintain sovereignty over their work and traditional knowledge.
STEM and social synergy for national development
As the discussion concluded, Andrieansjah emphasized that the true laboratory for social researchers is society itself. Cross-disciplinary collaboration between STEM and social researchers is essential to ensure that innovations are both relevant and applicable.
He highlighted the importance of integration. Researchers in social sciences cannot always work independently. At times, collaboration with STEM researchers is necessary, as certain aspects of STEM can help address social and economic challenges, he explained.
This synergy reflects the core spirit of DRI WEEK 2026, ensuring that research at 51 serves as a driving force for national development.
Author: Fauziah Laili Romadhon
Editor: Ragil Kukuh Imanto
