Surabaya, E Java, (Antara) - East Java's Surabaya-based Institute of Technology (ITS) has signed a cooperation agreement to develop a maritime technopark project with the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (RUAS) of the Netherlands.
"The ITS's technopark that will be built is similar to the program adopted by the RUAS, which already has the Rotterdamsche Droogdok Maatschappij (RDM) networks," Deputy Rector of ITS, Prof. Dr Ketut Buda Artana, said here on Wednesday.
He noted that the RDM is a hotspot for the development of a world class maritime project. It encourages linkage with higher institutions, industries and the government, in the maritime sector.
"We have something in common. They have a program focusing on technopark development. This attracted us to cooperate. Therefore, the ITS and the RDM signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday (Sept 27), he said.
The ITS deputy rector added that the institute has three priorities in the development of the technopark project, namely in the maritime, automotive and creative industry sectors.
The ITS is also cooperating with the Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education to design the master plan for the project.
During his visit to the ITS, the director of the RDM, Bert Hooijer, offered the assistance of his institution to continue the development of any new innovations or products developed by the ITS.
"But we did not agree on this because we also have professional human resources," said Ketut.
After the signing of the MoU regarding research, education and the development of technopark innovations, the ITS will soon dispatch lecturers to the Netherlands to conduct a comparative study.
The technopark will be designed as a center of education and practice, so students will not only produce papers, but also innovative products that could open business opportunities.
The ITS hopes that with the technopark, its graduates will create innovative production concepts. Also, those who already have products can market them to the ITS.(*)
