InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – Indonesia’s Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP) is urging researchers seeking grants in 2026 to move beyond academic strength alone and submit proposals that demonstrate measurable impact, realistic implementation pathways, and clear economic value.
Speaking at the BPDP 2026 Research Grant Call for Proposal Webinar, attended by InfoSAWIT on Thursday (April 30, 2026), BPDP Research Committee member Tony Liwang said proposals should be structured around Technology Readiness Level (TRL) principles to ensure innovations can move systematically from laboratory research toward industrial adoption.
“Researchers must clearly explain at what technology level their innovation starts, what level they aim to reach, and how long it will take to achieve that target. This is essential to create a realistic innovation roadmap,” Tony said.
Measurable Outcomes Matter
Tony noted that many research submissions still rely on broad assumptions of positive impact without quantifying potential benefits.
According to him, BPDP expects proposals to present clear metrics—whether in productivity improvement, operational cost savings, workplace safety enhancement, reduced accident rates, or income growth for oil palm smallholders.
“We do not only want to hear that an innovation will create positive impact. We want to know how much impact, from what baseline to what target, when it can be achieved, and what the economic implications will be,” he stressed.
Economic Value Becomes Critical Benchmark
Beyond scientific novelty, BPDP is placing increasing emphasis on economic feasibility. Innovations are expected to show tangible financial benefits, whether through cost efficiency, productivity gains, higher competitiveness, or broader socio-economic value for Indonesia’s palm oil industry.
Through this approach, BPDP hopes the 2026 Research Grant Program will generate innovations that are not only scientifically robust, but also commercially viable, scalable, and capable of delivering real-world impact to strengthen Indonesia’s palm oil competitiveness. (T2)
