Capability Approach Analysis of the Suiji Program for Building Sustainable Social Innovation Through Cross-National Collaboration

This study analyzes the SUIJI (Six University Initiative Japan-Indonesia) Program as a model of international collaboration aimed at fostering capability development and promoting sustainable social innovation within local communities. Employing a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis involving students, faculty members, and community participants. The findings demonstrate that the SUIJI Program effectively enhanced participants' capabilities, particularly in developing intercultural competence, reflective agency, adaptive leadership, and civic engagement. These enhanced capabilities facilitated collaborative social innovation initiatives, including organic farming, waste management, and the development of sustainable livelihoods. Although the collaboration faced several challenges, such as cultural differences, language barriers, and power asymmetries, the application of adaptive strategies and mutual learning mechanisms contributed significantly to overcoming these obstacles and ensuring the success of the program. This study underscores the critical role of community ownership, local capacity building, and institutional support in sustaining grassroots innovation. Furthermore, the research provides valuable insights into how the integration of the Capability Approach within social innovation practices can generate transformative impacts in the context of cross-national educational collaborations.