This initiative, managed by the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT), forms part of the £337 million International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF). It aims to enable potential, foster prosperity and support researchers in developing their skills, networks and careers in the creative and cultural, public, private and policy sectors.
The 12-month programme provides opportunities to address challenges that require innovative approaches and foster deeper connections beyond academia. This effort promotes knowledge mobilisation and translation, as well as enhancing individual researchers’ skills development. This is the first call for the ODA strand of the programme, which allows Global Innovation Fellow to embed themselves with a partner organisation.
Dr Soetanto expressed his gratitude for the opportunity; “I feel honoured and supported by this fellowship. This fellowship will extend my experience and expertise and establish me as a world-leading expert in the diffusion of climate resilience-enhancing innovation in low-income communities.”
His research will facilitate the widespread diffusion of Blue Green Infrastructure (BGI) in low-income communities in Indonesia. BGI integrates networks of green spaces and natural or man-made water features in urban environments to deliver environmental, economic, and social benefits. Its implementation improves urban flood resilience, water quality, and biodiversity while mitigating climate change impacts.
Despite its global popularity, research from BuGIS has highlighted low adoption rates of BGI in Indonesia due to factors such as a lack of awareness, limited participation, complex planning enforcement, and socio-political challenges. As a result, BGI projects often fail to meet expected performance outcomes and stakeholder aspirations. A key challenge remains the convergence of multi-stakeholder perspectives, which hinders the wider adoption of this innovative approach.
Dr Soetanto's fellowship aims to tackle these barriers by developing policy and implementation frameworks that facilitate the diffusion and adoption of BGI strategies within local communities. In collaboration with project partners the Housing and Settlements Agency (DISPERKIM), the Regional Planning and Development Agency (BAPPEDA), and the Tunas Nusa Foundation (TNF), his research will contribute to the development of innovation policies that deliver benefits to communities across Indonesia.
The fellowship aligns with the global agenda to address the climate emergency and supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 13 (Climate Action). By implementing an innovation system framework, Dr Soetanto aims to drive the widespread adoption of BGI in communities across Indonesia and other low- and middle-income countries in the region.