Digital Transformation in Intergovernmental Facilitation and Regional Innovation Capability: Examining Symmetrical Communication and Institutional Trust

Reyza Pratama (Distance Learning Master of Management Program, School of Economics and Business, Telkom University)
Ratih Hendayani (Distance Learning Master of Management Program, School of Economics and Business, Telkom University)
Yuhana Astuti (Distance Learning Master of Management Program, School of Economics and Business, Telkom University)

Indonesian Journal of Advanced Research (IJAR)
Vol. 5 No. 9 (2026): September 2026

This study examines how digital transformation in facilitation by Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) influences perceived regional innovation management capability through symmetrical communication and trust. A cross-sectional survey of 152 local-government officials in 38 districts and cities of East Java was conducted in July 2026 and analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. Digital transformation positively affected capability and symmetrical communication, while symmetrical communication partially mediated the relationship. Trust had a strong direct effect, whereas its interaction with symmetrical communication did not reach the 5% significance threshold. The findings extend digital-transformation and innovation-intermediary research by showing that digital facilitation creates greater public value when technology is combined with dialogic communication, credible relationships, and traceable follow-up.