Depok, June 30, 2025 — A doctoral graduate from the Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FIA UI), presented an in-depth analysis of institutional dynamics and public management reform models within the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). This research examines the case of consolidating the Indonesian government’s research and innovation governance into a single institution, BRIN.

In his dissertation, Dr. Hadi Kardoyo explored the patterns of institutional dynamics within BRIN, as well as the trajectories and reform models that have emerged. The findings reveal that the radical changes in BRIN did not stem from a single critical juncture but were the result of a combination of the vision of victorious political elites and the technocratic vision of senior officials. Indonesia’s politico-administrative system played a major role in shaping the direction of this transformation.

“The decision to integrate research and development (R&D) institutions reflects a shift in values and the rationalization of ideas among change actors. This forms the basis for policymakers to implement bold policies to address the longstanding institutional problems in Indonesia’s R&D sector,” explained Hadi Kardoyo.

The dissertation also found that the integration within BRIN has produced a hybrid model of the Neo-Weberian State (NWS). While maintaining a relatively stable formal structure, BRIN has simultaneously modernized its administrative procedures. This creates challenges in developing an ideal governance model for R&D, which should balance both stability and agility.

The explanation of this integration phenomenon contributes to the understanding of historical institutionalism, emphasizing that institutions are shaped by struggles over political legacies. Political visions regarding the urgency of an institution create space for competing technocratic ideas, resulting in compromises and political-administrative cooperation to drive change or preserve institutional existence.

The doctoral defense was chaired by Prof. Dr. Dra. Retno Kusumastuti Hardjono, M.Si., with Dr. Roy Valiant Salomo, M.Soc.Sc., as the main supervisor, Dr. Andreo Wahyudi Atmoko, M.Si., and Dr. Dudi Hidayat, M.Sc., as co-supervisors. The examining committee also included Prof. Dr. Erwan Agus Purwanto, M.Si., Prof. Dr. Amy Yayuk Sri Rahayu, M.Si., Prof. Dr. Eko Prasojo, Mag.rer.publ., and Dr. Fibria Indriati D. L., M.Si.