Wijaya Putra University (UWP) has once again made history. The university, known for its sociopreneurship focus, has officially inaugurated Prof. Dr. Nugroho Mardi Wibowo, SE., M.Si. as Professor of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The inauguration ceremony held at Dyandra Convention Center Surabaya on Saturday marks an important milestone for higher education. The presence of a Professor specializing in SMEs is expected to strengthen academic contributions in helping the government achieve its target of increasing the number of entrepreneurs to 8 percent of Indonesia’s total population, up from the current figure of around 4 percent.

The Rector of Wijaya Putra University stated that Prof. Nugroho’s inauguration represents a strategic step for the university in strengthening research and innovation in micro and small entrepreneurship.

“Prof. Nugroho has demonstrated significant contributions in research, curriculum development, and community service. This title is not only an academic honor but also an encouragement for other lecturers to continue achieving excellence and expanding their tangible impact on society,” said the Rector.

Wijaya Putra University inaugurates a professor as part of efforts to support the National Target of Increasing the Number of Entrepreneurs to 8 Percent.

According to the university, the presence of an SME Professor will strengthen UWP’s position as a center for entrepreneurial innovation and community economic development. With a strong foundation of knowledge and research, the university is committed to producing more young entrepreneurs who can compete in the digital era.

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In his address, Prof. Dr. Nugroho Mardi Wibowo expressed gratitude and appreciation for the trust placed in him. He emphasized that SME empowerment requires synergy between academics, business practitioners, and the government to achieve sustainable growth.

“We will focus on developing technology-based entrepreneurship training programs, researching innovative marketing strategies, and enhancing the capacity of micro and small business owners to upgrade their operations,” he stated.

He also stressed the importance of developing the concept of sociopreneurship, an entrepreneurial model that not only focuses on profit but also creates positive social and environmental impacts.

“Sociopreneurs are entrepreneurs who combine business values with social concern. UWP’s vision as a research-based sociopreneurship campus is highly relevant to contemporary challenges,” emphasized Prof. Nugroho.

This inauguration is not only a source of pride for Wijaya Putra University but also sends a strong signal that higher education institutions play a vital role in driving the national economy through the SME sector.

Through research, mentoring, and continuous innovation, UWP is committed to supporting the government’s target of increasing the number of active SMEs to 8 percent. This step also reinforces UWP’s position as a research university focused on community economic empowerment and social entrepreneurship.

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Wijaya Putra University

Wijaya Putra University (UPJ) is a private university located in Surabaya, Indonesia, founded in 1984. It was established by the Wijaya Putra Foundation with a focus on providing practical, professional education to support national development.

Dyandra Convention Center Surabaya

The Dyandra Convention Center Surabaya is a modern, multi-purpose venue located in Indonesia’s second-largest city. It was established to host a wide variety of events, including international conventions, exhibitions, and concerts. The center is part of the larger Dyandra Group, which has been a key player in developing Indonesia’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry.

National Target of Increasing the Number of Entrepreneurs to 8 Percent

This is not a physical place or cultural site, but a national policy goal. It is an initiative, typically from a government, aiming to grow the national economy by fostering entrepreneurship. The history of such a target is rooted in economic strategies that view entrepreneurs as key drivers of innovation, job creation, and competitiveness.

Indonesia

Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago nation, with a history deeply shaped by its strategic location along ancient maritime trade routes. This led to the rise of powerful Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms and later the spread of Islam, creating a diverse cultural and religious tapestry. The country’s modern identity was forged after declaring independence from the Dutch in 1945.