Title: Improving the implementaion of marine and fisheries technoparks in Tegal, Central Java, Indonesia, using benchmarks from the Icelandic Ocean Cluster

In 2015, the government of Indonesia planned the construction of 100 technology parks, spread over the whole of the country, of which 24 Marine and Fisheries Technology Parks (MFTP) were to be built in the period between 2015 - 2019. To establish a sustainable operation of the Tegal MFTP within four years, the study evaluates the implementation of the MFTP in Tegal, Central Java Province, Indonesia, using both a Project Cycle Management (PCM) and Benchmarking with the Iceland Ocean Cluster (IOC). The Tegal MFTP has been in operation since 2015. Comparing performance to targets over the first two years has called for improvements. In 2015, four incubator activities were started up at the MFTP. The Tegal MFTP has also carried out various other activities such as disseminating technical possibilities for innovation, organizing training and offering internship. Unfortunately, all but one incubator was discontinued in 2016, mostly due to delay of budgeted payments from government, inadequate technical assistance, and lack of stakeholder engagement. Based on PCM analysis and the result of benchmarking, the IOC’s suggestions to improve the operational sustainability of the MFTP are presented. The suggestions cover various aspects for improvement regarding the operations for the Tegal MFTP and for the new MFTPs, both for those starting operations now and those still in the planning. These aspects include a financial support approach, a MFTP administrational approach, an innovative technology approach, and an incubator services approach seeking to improve the satisfaction of the participants/tenants.