Examining Patterns of Partnership with Local Experts in Developing Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction Innovation in Yogyakarta Indonesia

Abstract The necessity for inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) innovation has become more apparent in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), given the significant population of older people and people with disabilities who face various disaster risks. It is believed that local partnerships in innovation can effectively ensure sustainability of the innovation in a creative, inclusive, and targeted manner. A qualitative approach was employed to examine the patterns and added value of these partnerships during the scaling-up phase. The primary framework used in analyzing these partnership patterns is the typology proposed by Stott and Murphy. This study aims to examine different partnership patterns with local experts during the scaling-up of innovation and to understand the added value these partnerships bring. The data for this study were gathered through document reviews, observations, and in-depth interviews with four innovators involved in IDEAKSI, an innovation incubation program organized by the YAKKUM Emergency Unit (YEU) from 2021 to 2023. This study found that during the scaling-up phase, the entire innovators established partnerships with a total of 17 local expert partners, including local governments, communities, and non-governmental organizations. This partnership pattern is shaped by the unique characteristics of each organization. A collaborative approach that emphasizes interpersonal relationships and a deep understanding of local contexts can increase the effectiveness of innovations related to inclusive disaster risk reduction. These findings can serve as a guide for designing partnership strategies aimed at fostering inclusive disaster risk reduction at the local level. Additionally, they have the potential to become a partnership model adaptable to various locations, addressing similar challenges globally.