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his refers to '€œResearchers complain about lack of funds,'€ (The Jakarta Post, Sept. 6). I appreciate knowing that president-elect Joko '€œJokowi'€ Widodo is supportive of increased research funds.  Along with an increased budget, it is worth making efforts to optimize funds.

One of the models is to increase joint-research programs with private universities or private research centers and foundations, which meet or will meet the requirements of true scientific research, including adequate physical facilities and laboratories, equipment and qualified principal investigators.  

In this model, private entities would be compensated for their research-related indirect costs. These can be significant supplements to their operating costs.  This shared arrangement should come with a significant provision '€” the government has prerogative ownership and first claim on any and all discoveries, especially in research projects with potential commercial value.  

Set up right, private universities would race to apply for government research grants, for winning them would result in greater scientific activities, thus academic prestige, not to mention a stream of supplemental revenue.  

This cost-sharing model would simplify the government role to that of a prudent manager of the nation'€™s treasury, by selecting qualified research centers and awarding precious research grants.    

Indeed, funding is the engine of thriving academic research communities, the primary source of which is the government, with clearly formulated national development strategies to guide distribution of the funds.  

If previously we chose a national goal to develop an aviation industry, now either we abandon it for a new maritime-related field, or continue to fund the struggling aviation industry with true no-nonsense professionalism.  With our vast geography, development of either industry can spur economic growth '€” if managed well.  

My second point has to do with the development of tax-incentive schemes to encourage research funding.  Donations and research-related activities in the private sector must receive either tax deductions or direct assistance.  

My third point, please do not hesitate to collaborate with advanced countries, which have developed their technologies.  Be willing to pay top dollar to attract scientists, researchers and fellows to develop our national research programs.

James Waworoendeng
Jakarta