A picture used for a representative purpose. | Photo Credit: SR Raghunathan
The story so far: The Office of the Chief Scientific Advisor of the Indian Government, the Indian Industry Confederation (CII) and the Center for Technology, Innovation and Economic Research have published a detailed assessment of research and development publicly funded in India. In total, 244 organizations for research and development associated with various ministries, “evaluation of indicators of excellence by innovation organizations for research and public development” participated in the study. However, scientific institutions, such as institutions belonging to defense research, space and research of atomic energy that make up the dominant proportion of overall research and expenditure of India, were excluded from the study because of the “sensitive nature” of their work. Also, academic institutions and universities were not part of the study.
What was the purpose of this study?
The survey was carried out through an online questionnaire and was designed to capture the contributions of publicly funded research and development organizations in critical areas for India’s growth. A key question to which the authors of the report tried to answer whether these laboratories were largely involved in academic science focused on curiosity or focused on the development of products and new innovations that met the requirements of the industry. The authors tried to “capture and evaluate” innovation indicators of research and development laboratories/institutes. “The Analysis and Recommentations in This Report Were Meant to Guide The Public-Funded R&D Labs/Instituts to Increase Their Contribution Challenges on the socio-economic front, From Health Challenges to Ensuring and MORE DIXTERS SCIENTIFIC BASE THROUGH OPPORTITIES FOR WOMEN Scientists, and Finally to Contribute to Skilling and Creating Meaningful Employment by Working Alongside Industry and Startups.
How was it done?
These large image questions were divided into 62 parameters. These were issues concerning annual expenditure for research and development, the number of young scientists, patents filed, developed technologies, female scientists and their contribution to “national missions” such as “deep ocean missions”, “national quantum mission”, etc. than it is than it is than it is than it is than it is than it is than can hold them than to hold them than “hybrid”, laboratory/institute. All data submitted by laboratory/institutes were accompanied by the director’s signature, suggesting that the data presented was authentic and valid.
What was the key finding?
Significant findings were that only about 25% of the laboratories responded provided support and only 16% provided support for “deep technological” startups. Only 15% cooperated with industry abroad and only half of them opened their facilities to scientists and students from outside. About half of the laboratories/institutes contributed to national politicians and the development of technologies focused on the “Make in India” initiative. About 35% of organizations were focused on Skill India, while approximately 30% of organizations said they focused on the Swachh Bharat mission. A large number of laboratories/institutes showed a reduction in the number of permanent employees in 2022-23 compared to the previous year and an increased addicted dependent-17 234 to 19,625-ass of contractual employees. In 2022-23, the middle share of young scientists increased to approximately 58% of 54% in the previous year. The combined budget of 155 laboratory/institutes in 2017–18 in the years 2022-23 increased from 9,924 Crore to 13 162 Crore. The total number of researchers and the proportion of female scientists in scientists remained stagnated over 2021-2023.
Does the report issue a recommendation?
As part of its recommendations, the report advocates that each laboratory should be “entrusted to review his existing mandates” and align with “Viksit Bharat”. The mandate is to focus on “critical technologies” according to the government’s instructions and that the organization of research and development funded to the public must accept this strategy for “war position”. They should work closely with the industry and each other. The report recommends that you set up a section of 8 companies (non -profit organizations registered under the Ministry of Business Affairs) to provide support to startups, opening research and testing facilities and improving intensity links at higher educational institutions.
Published – 4 May 2025 01:23 IS
