Coastal Megacities Shift Focus Inland for Research Partnerships

The recent trend of coastal megacities seeking research collaborations inland has gained significant attention in the business world. A notable example is the planned relocation of Indonesia's capital from Jakarta, one of the world's fastest sinking cities, to a new city, Nusantara, on the island of Borneo, by 2045. This move is estimated to cost around $51 billion, highlighting the financial burden of addressing subsidence and rising sea levels. According to a 2024 study, approximately 2 billion people lived within 50 kilometers of a coast in 2018, with half of the world's population residing within just 10 kilometers. The coastal zone is growing faster than inland areas, with around 460 million people moving to the coast between 2000 and 2018, equivalent to adding 46 new megacities of 10 million residents each. This rapid urbanization poses significant challenges for coastal megacities, including subsidence, which can have devastating consequences for local economies and infrastructure. The financial implications of subsidence are substantial. A study by the Nature Index 2025 Science cities estimated that the economic losses due to subsidence in Jakarta alone could reach up to $1.4 billion annually. This highlights the need for coastal megacities to invest in research collaborations that can provide innovative solutions to address these challenges. The company behind the relocation plan, the Indonesian government, has been working closely with international research institutions to develop a comprehensive plan for the new capital city. This collaboration has enabled the government to leverage cutting-edge technologies and expertise to mitigate the risks associated with subsidence and rising sea levels. The industry background of this trend is rooted in the growing awareness of the impact of climate change on coastal megacities. As sea levels continue to rise, cities like Jakarta are facing unprecedented challenges in maintaining their infrastructure and economic stability. The Indonesian government's decision to relocate its capital is a testament to the need for proactive measures to address these challenges. Looking ahead, the trend of coastal megacities seeking research collaborations inland is likely to continue. As the world's population continues to urbanize, the need for innovative solutions to address the challenges associated with subsidence and rising sea levels will only grow. The Indonesian government's plan to relocate its capital is a significant step in this direction, and it is expected to serve as a model for other coastal megacities seeking to address similar challenges. In conclusion, the financial burden of addressing subsidence and rising sea levels is substantial, and coastal megacities are turning to research collaborations inland to find innovative solutions. The Indonesian government's plan to relocate its capital is a notable example of this trend, and it is expected to have significant implications for the business world in the years to come.