Indonesia focuses on agricultural innovation and AI integration

Indonesia is addressing challenges in agricultural and food innovation, focusing on the transition from research to market impact. During a Centre for Technology and Innovation Studies (CTIS) discussion, Dr. Moh. Sofwan Effendi emphasized that transforming research into usable innovation requires a funding system that follows risk levels. He proposed that public or catalytic funding should support high-risk early-stage research, co-funding for pilot stages, and increased private sector involvement as technologies mature.

Simultaneously, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the food system presents both opportunities and risks for Indonesia's food sovereignty. While AI can optimize planting times, weather prediction, and pest detection, there are concerns regarding a growing dependency on foreign-controlled technology. Global markets for agricultural AI are projected to grow significantly, with estimates ranging from US$8.5 billion by 2030 to over US$30 billion by 2034, highlighting the technology's central role in the future global food economy.