UGM’s Professor Subagyo Advocates Creative and Sustainable Product Management

On October 7, 2025, Dr. Subagyo became a professor at Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Faculty of Engineering (FT UGM). He took office in product management. In his first lecture, “Product Management: Managing Creativity for Goodness and Welfare,” he linked ideas in a simple way. His words join innovation with care for our world. They show engineers as creative makers.

Key Highlights from Professor Subagyo’s Inaugural Address

1. Innovation Beyond Mass Production

Professor Subagyo explained that new communication and information tools boost mass production. He warned us: when mass production lacks new ideas, products lose their charm. In this link, mass production and innovation must grow close. Without close ties, products drop to plain items.

2. Valuing Non-Functional Product Attributes

He stressed that brands, looks, values, and culture add more to a product than function alone. Each quality supports the product’ s core. These parts work together, making a product unique. In his words, these qualities make customers feel a connection.

3. Embracing Concurrent Engineering for Faster Innovation

He pointed out that product life periods get shorter each day. Professor Subagyo urged engineers to use concurrent engineering. Here, design, test, and production work side by side. This close work speeds innovation, cuts costs, and makes supply chains stronger.

4. Tackling Environmental Impact with Waste Excise Tax

He noted that disposable, low-cost items hurt our earth. He proposed a ‘waste excise tax’ on items with high waste. In this idea, economy and environment share a link. This tax helps push the market toward eco-friendly ideas.

5. Redefining the Role of Industrial Engineers

Professor Subagyo said engineers now do more than tune production. They join in the process of product creation. Their work mixes art and science to meet fast changes. He shows that each link—creativity and efficiency—must stay close.

6. Collaboration for Socio-Technical Innovation

He said that industrial engineers and product designers must work together. In this close link, social facts and technical facts join. This teamwork supports systems that grow with market shifts. Their bond also meets new sustainability goals.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Professor Subagyo’s ideas meet UGM’s goals. His vision fits well with these SDGs:

• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

His focus on creative engineering and care for community shows a link. It joins education, industry, and a better life for all.

About Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM)

UGM leads in research and education. It earns praise for its work on a better world. The Faculty of Engineering makes experts who join innovation with responsibility. Their work connects environmental care and social duty.

For more details, visit UGM’s official website or follow their news updates on sustainable engineering and product management.

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