Developing Singhasari Special Economic Zone as a Creative and Digital Innovation Hub

Abstract

Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are increasingly expected to move beyond investment-oriented development toward innovation ecosystems that integrate talent, technology, creative production, markets, and collaborative governance. This study aims to analyze the development strategy of the Singhasari Special Economic Zone (SEZ) as a creative and digital innovation hub through a collaborative ecosystem approach. A qualitative instrumental case study was employed using document analysis covering the period from 2019 to July 2026. Data were obtained from government regulations, official government reports, publications of the Singhasari SEZ management entity, policy documents, and relevant scholarly literature. Data were analyzed using the interactive model of data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing, supported by source triangulation. The findings indicate that the Singhasari SEZ possesses strategic foundations derived from its technology and tourism mandates, Greater Malang's talent and educational ecosystem, creative production activities, digital technology capabilities, and national and international partnerships. However, several gaps remain in ecosystem specialization, talent-to-market integration, anchor demand, financing and intellectual property services, collaborative governance, performance measurement, and regional linkages. The study proposes seven strategic pillars: specialization-based positioning, an integrated talent pipeline, AI-native production and experimentation, market-driven cluster development, financing and intellectual property, collaborative governance and data, and place-based and global connectivity. The study concludes that the Singhasari SEZ should strengthen its role as an ecosystem orchestrator that connects policy, talent, technology, creative production, investment, markets, and regional-global networks to generate sustainable innovation and economic value.