How can India’s research institutions be transformed into globally competitive entities?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, NITI Aayog has called for a transformation in India’s research institutions to elevate their global competitiveness. This initiative aims to streamline processes and strengthen academia-industry connections, setting the stage for groundbreaking advancements in national research capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- Urgency for transformation of research institutions in India.
- Need for institutional benchmarking and simplified compliance.
- Importance of collaboration between academia and industry.
- Focus on translational research and enhancing access to resources.
- Strengthened frameworks for funding and regulatory support.
New Delhi, Aug 14 (NationPress) Dr VK Saraswat, a Member of NITI Aayog, has emphasized the pressing need to convert India’s research institutions into globally competitive entities, as reported on Thursday.
He advocated for institutional benchmarking, the simplification of compliance processes, and stronger links between academia and industry to foster a high-impact research culture. He pointed out that minimizing friction throughout the research lifecycle is essential for promoting national scientific objectives and achieving self-sufficiency in vital technology sectors.
NITI Aayog convened the fifth consultative meeting on ‘Ease of Doing Research & Development (R&D)’ organized by GUJCOST at Science City in Ahmedabad.
The objective of the meeting was to reach consensus on diminishing procedural obstacles, enhancing access to knowledge resources, boosting institutional competitiveness, increasing focus on translational research, and creating a more supportive environment for R&D across the nation.
Professor Vivek Kumar Singh, Senior Adviser at NITI Aayog, stressed the importance of structural reforms, agile regulations, and robust institutional frameworks to improve R&D in India.
P. Bharathi, Secretary of DST, Gujarat, reaffirmed the state’s dedication to establishing a strong research ecosystem in line with the Prime Minister’s vision for Viksit Bharat.
Dr Nilesh Desai, Director of SAC–ISRO, announced a 12-day outreach program for ‘National Space Day’ and emphasized the necessity for an optimized R&D environment.
In his keynote address, Dr. R.A. Mashelkar, former DG of CSIR, evaluated the R&D landscape, pinpointed critical gaps, and proposed actionable strategies for advancement.
The two-day consultative meeting concentrated on thorough discussions regarding key themes such as fortifying the R&D ecosystem, boosting funding and regulatory frameworks, and improving access to knowledge resources.
Conversations revolved around understanding current institutional structures and processes, identifying shortcomings, and exploring strategies for remediation, placing significant emphasis on administrative agility and regulatory responsiveness. Participants highlighted the essential need to strengthen foundational enablers, including streamlined funding mechanisms, robust research infrastructure, and simplified regulatory procedures.
The dialogue underscored the significance of coordinated efforts and translational research in unlocking India’s complete research and innovation potential, according to a statement from NITI Aayog.
Point of View
I recognize that the transformation of research institutions is not merely a bureaucratic task; it is a vital step toward positioning India as a leader in global research and innovation. The emphasis on reducing barriers and enhancing collaboration reflects a forward-thinking approach that aligns with our national ambitions.
NationPress
30/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of NITI Aayog's initiative?
The initiative aims to transform India's research institutions into globally competitive entities by reducing procedural barriers and enhancing collaboration between academia and industry.
Why is benchmarking important in this context?
Benchmarking helps to establish standards and best practices that can drive improvement and competitiveness in research institutions.
What role does the government play in this transformation?
The government plays a crucial role by creating an enabling environment, simplifying regulations, and providing funding to support research and development.
