The Head of the Research and Innovation Center Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Prof.  Dr.  Dyah Mutiarin, S.I., MA., Ph.D, along with the Daily Board of Directors (BPH) and UMY structural officials visited several world-renowned universities in Spain (23/4).  The visitation aims to obtain deeper insights into the field of research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the international academic area.

The visits to Spain with the theme “Comparative Study of World Renowned Universities in the Field of Research and Entrepreneurship, and Tracing the Glory of Islamic Andalusia” were also attended by Dr.  H. Agung Danarto, M. Ag.  (Chair of BPH), Prof.  Muhammad Faris Al-Fadhat, M.A., Ph.D (Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Alumni and Muhammadiyah Affairs), Rudy Suryanto, SE.  M. Acc., Ph.D., A., CA (Vice Rector for Finance and Assets), Slamet Riyadi, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D.  (Head of the Planning and Development Agency) and Idham Badruzaman, S.IP., MA., Ph.D.  (Head of the International Affairs Office) along with other university officials.

The comparative study activity at leading universities in Spain was aimed to investigate research and collaboration practices as well as the management of research outputs to achieve commercially viable products carried out by academics at Spanish universities. Based on the transfer of knowledge and experience between the two academic institutes, the study of exchange strategies on technology, intellectual property, and partnerships between industry and academia.  It is expected that from the comparative study visit, research, innovation, and commercialization activities carried out by UMY will experience an increase in quality and capacity and make a real contribution to technology-based socio-economic development.

The first visit (24/4) in the morning was held at the first-ranked university in Spain, Universitat de Barcelona (UB). UB’s achievements are not only recognized on a national scale but also in the global world where UB is ranked as the 152nd best university based on the Times Higher Education World University Ranking.  The arrival of the UMY team was welcomed by the Vice Chancellor for Internationalization Policy, Prof.  Raul Ramos Lobo.

Prof.  Ramos conveyed the achievements of the Universitat de Barcelona at national and international levels. During the meeting, Prof.  Muhammad Faris Al-Fadhat, MA., Ph.D (Vice Chancellor of Yogyakarta Muhammadiyah University for Student Affairs, Alumni and Muhammadiyah) explained the history of the founding of Muhammadiyah in 1912 and its three main focuses in the fields of education, health and social services.

The second visit of the UMY team was held at the Autonoma de Barcelona University (AUB) in the afternoon.  The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Coordinator, Julia Palma Sanchez, and her staff welcomed the arrival of the UMY group.  The Head of the Research and Innovation Institute and UMY officials held discussions with AUB regarding the role of innovation, research and entrepreneurship in higher education.