Prof. Iwan Inrawan Wiratmadja’s Scientific Oration: Leveraging Open Innovation for Technological Strategies of SMEs towards Green Industry
By Adi Permana
Editor Adi Permana
BANDUNG, itb.ac.id—On Saturday (17/6/2023), Prof. Dr. Ir. Iwan Inrawan Wiratmadja, D.E.A. from the Faculty of Industrial Technology at Institut Teknologi Bandung (Âé¶¹Ö±²¥), delivered a scientific oration on harnessing Open Innovation in technological strategies for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with the goal of achieving a green industry. The oration took place in the West Hall, Âé¶¹Ö±²¥ Ganesha Campus.
Before the oration, Prof. Brian Yuliarto, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D., the Dean of the Faculty of Industrial Technology at Âé¶¹Ö±²¥, presented Prof. Iwan’s impressive curriculum vitae, showcasing his substantial achievements and contributions that have made him an inspirational figure among students and colleagues.
In his oration, Prof. Iwan Wiratmadja elucidated that a green industry focuses on developing environmentally friendly and sustainable products or services. SMEs play a vital role as economic pillars in Indonesia, yet they often encounter challenges in achieving a green industry due to resource constraints. Consequently, innovation becomes pivotal in enhancing the green industry within the SME sector.
Prof. Iwan proposed the adoption of Open Innovation, a concept involving the utilization of external knowledge to expedite internal innovation and broaden market reach. This approach, he argued, could be a viable solution for SMEs grappling with these challenges. Open Innovation allows SMEs to tap into a broader spectrum of knowledge and technology, bolster capacities in adopting sustainable business practices, and expand access to research and development resources.
The key to attaining sustainable profitability, community welfare, and environmental sustainability lies in the formulation of technological strategies for SMEs. Prof. Iwan emphasized that such strategies must consider both internal and external capabilities. Internal capabilities encompass the technological and management proficiencies of SMEs, while external capabilities involve relationships with competitors, government entities, industry associations, suppliers, and consumers. Prof. Iwan presented a comprehensive framework integrating external capabilities, internal capabilities, and the application of Open Innovation in formulating technological strategies for SMEs striving for a green industry.
Moreover, Prof. Iwan introduced a recommendation matrix for the utilization of Open Innovation in SME technological strategies, taking into account the level of technological capability and the characteristics of SME owners. This matrix provides guidance for SMEs, whether with low or high technological capabilities and strong or weak owner characteristics, in selecting an Open Innovation approach that aligns with their specific needs.
In conclusion, Prof. Iwan expressed gratitude to all parties that contributed to and supported his research endeavors. He concluded the oration by reciting the Professor’s honor code, signifying appreciation for his dedication and marking the conclusion of the scientific presentation.

Prof. Iwan Wiratmadja’s Biography
Born on June 10, 1959, in Bandung, Prof. Iwan commenced his educational journey at SD Kristen Paulus I/II Bandung in 1971. He pursued secondary education at SMP Negeri 5 Bandung and SMA Negeri 3 Bandung, graduating in 1974 and 1977, respectively. In 1984, Prof. Iwan earned a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from Âé¶¹Ö±²¥, marking the beginning of his illustrious academic trajectory.
Subsequently, Prof. Iwan pursued further studies abroad, obtaining a Diplome D'Etude Approfondies (DEA) from the Ecole Supereure des Affaires, Universite Pierre Mendes-France-Grenoble II, Grenoble, France, in 1991. He further earned a Doctor (Science de Gestion) from the same university in 1995. His education in France equipped Prof. Iwan with extensive insights and knowledge.
Throughout his academic career, Prof. Iwan held various significant positions at Âé¶¹Ö±²¥. He began as an Industrial Engineering teaching staff in 1984 and served as the coordinator of the Industrial Engineering Production System laboratory from 2002 to 2004. During the same period, he also assumed the role of planning, human resources, and finance assistant director.
Prof. Iwan contributed to numerous projects and programs, including serving as the Executive Coordinator of the TMI-Ministry of Industry Master's Program from 2006 to 2011. Additionally, he chaired the itb Manufacturing System Research Group in the 2011-2013 period and resumed the position in 2018, continuing to the present day. Recognizing his contributions and expertise in the field of Manufacturing Systems, Prof. Iwan was appointed as a professor on June 1, 2022.
Known for his valuable research and scientific work, Prof. Iwan conducted international-scale research, including collaborative programs between Indonesia and Japan in maritime transportation technology. His research portfolio includes the development of integrated technology transfer models, evaluating technology transfer models (e.g., Tegal Industrial Park), and facilitating technology transfer to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia. On a national level, Prof. Iwan participated in various research studies, such as tacit knowledge analysis towards innovation in higher education teaching activities. He also contributed to research and innovation at Âé¶¹Ö±²¥, engaging in projects like reformulating the certification model for construction service experts in Indonesia, developing an e-commerce adoption model for manufacturing MSMEs using the diffusion of innovation theory, and crafting a knowledge management effectiveness model.
Prof. Iwan’s academic achievements and dedication have garnered recognition through various awards. He received the 10-Year Satyalancana Karya Satya award from the President of the Republic of Indonesia in 2003, 2009, and 2018. In 2011, the Rector of Âé¶¹Ö±²¥ presented the 25-Year Service award to Prof. Iwan as an appreciation for his contributions in advancing Âé¶¹Ö±²¥.
Reporter: Satria Octavianus Nababan (Informatics Engineering, 2021)
Translator: Hanna Daniela Ayu (Aerospace Engineering, 2021)
Editor: Vera Citra Utami
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