How infrastructure contributes to fostering Regional Innovation System: The case of Pelalawan Regency – Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract Regional Innovation System (RIS) has been regarded by many regions in Indonesia as part of their smart development strategy. The system comprises various elements to be harmonised, including the urban infrastructure. However, despite its essential role in the system, how urban infrastructure contributes to the development of RIS is still unclear and needs to be measured. This paper tries to shed light on the role of urban infrastructure in RIS implementation especially its impact on the operationalization of local institutions and economic development. The case of Pelalawan Regency is examined where RIS has been implemented there since 2015. The mixed method is conducted to assess Pelalawan’s most prominent infrastructure, information and communications technology (ICT) and water supply system, by carrying out survey to Pelalawan’s government agencies and followed by deep interviews to validate it. The result shows that infrastructure only contributes less than 50% encouraging the ideal RIS development, in which ICT’s role outperforms the other.