JEMBER – Politeknik Negeri Jember (Polije) is strengthening its research direction through a research benchmarking visit to Universitas Diponegoro (Undip). The activity took place at the Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences (FPP) of Undip in Semarang on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

During the visit, the Applied Bachelor’s Degree Program in Agribusiness Management at PSDKU Campus 5 Ngawi discussed the development of a research roadmap. The Polije team also studied strategies for developing research activities at the study program and faculty levels.

Head of the Agribusiness Management Department at Polije, Taufik Hidayat, S.E., M.Si., described the visit as a strategic step for the study program. He said the benchmarking activity could strengthen the direction of lecturers’ research policies.

“We would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to FPP Undip for welcoming and facilitating this visit. A clear and well-directed research roadmap is an important foundation for improving the quality of lecturers’ research and strengthening the competitiveness of the study program,” Taufik said.

The Polije team then learned from Undip’s experience in developing its research roadmap. The teams also discussed research governance, funding schemes, and strategies to increase scientific publications.

In addition, the activity explored the relevance of research to the needs of the agribusiness industry. Therefore, the insights gained from the benchmarking visit can serve as evaluation material for Polije’s Agribusiness Management Study Program.

As a follow-up, Polije and Undip signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement involves Polije’s Agribusiness Management Study Program and the Undergraduate Agribusiness Study Program at FPP Undip.

Taufik Hidayat subsequently signed the MoU with Prof. Sugiharto, S.Pt., M.Sc., Ph.D., Dean of FPP Undip. The partnership provides opportunities for collaboration in research and academic development.

Through this collaboration, Polije continues to strengthen an applicable and sustainable research roadmap. In addition to expanding its research network, the initiative supports improvements in research quality among lecturers and study programs.