Hindu Editorial Analysis : 15-March-2024

The announcement of a ₹1 lakh crore fund in the interim Budget for 2024-25 aims to enhance India’s research and innovation ecosystem. This initiative has generated excitement among scientists and researchers, but there are several challenges that need to be addressed to maximize its impact.

Major Challenges in R&D

1. Private Sector Inertia
  • Indian businesses contribute only about 37% to the country’s Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD), amounting to $6.2 billion.
  • In comparison, businesses worldwide typically account for over 65% of R&D funding.
2. Low Participation by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
  • HEIs play a limited role, contributing only 8.8% ($1.5 billion) of overall R&D investment.
3. Brain Drain
  • Many talented researchers leave India for countries that offer better infrastructure and funding for research.
4. Inadequate Education and Training
  • The current education system may not equip students with the skills needed for successful careers in R&D.
5. Bureaucratic Hurdles
  • Complex regulations can slow down research efforts and deter investment.
6. Limited Collaboration with Academia
  • There is often a disconnect between academic research and industry needs, hindering the effective transfer of knowledge and technology.

Suggested Measures

Collaborative Approach
  • Strengthening partnerships between government, industry, and HEIs can enhance the impact of research on economic growth.
Promoting Public-Private Partnerships
  • Collaboration between academia and industry can help translate research into marketable products.
Resource Channelization
  • Allocating funds to protect intellectual property can help unlock new market opportunities.
Government Incentives
  • Tax breaks and grants can motivate private companies to invest more in R&D.
Focus on Skill Development
  • Reforms in education should emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Streamlining Bureaucracy
  • Simplifying regulations can speed up research projects and attract investments.
Incentivizing Innovation
  • Government recognition and awards for innovative research can encourage further investment.

Government Initiatives

Change in Approach
  • The rebranding of the slogan from ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ to include ‘Jai Vigyan’ and ‘Jai Anusandhan’ highlights the importance of research and innovation.
Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Act
  • This act aims to close the R&D investment gap and foster a robust research culture in HEIs.
National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP)
  • This policy focuses on supporting Deep Tech startups, enhancing their role in the R&D ecosystem.
Impacting Research Innovation & Technology (IMPRINT)
  • IMPRINT addresses critical engineering challenges and translates knowledge into practical technology.
Research Parks
  • Established at various IITs, these parks connect entrepreneurs with students and faculty to foster R&D collaboration.
Uchhatar Avishkar Yojana (UAY)
  • This initiative promotes high-level innovation that meets industry needs, enhancing the competitiveness of Indian manufacturing.

Why In News

The announcement in the interim Budget for 2024-25 of a corpus of ₹1 lakh crore to bolster the research and innovation ecosystem within the country has sparked enthusiasm within the scientific and research communities, signaling a renewed commitment to advancing India’s position in the global knowledge economy.

MCQs about Research and Development Ecosystem

  1. What percentage of India’s Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) is contributed by private businesses?
    A. 50%
    B. 37%
    C. 65%
    D. 8.8%
    Correct Answer: B. 37%
    Explanation: Indian businesses contribute approximately 37% to the country’s GERD, which is significantly lower than the global average of over 65%.
  2. Which of the following is a major challenge faced by the R&D sector in India?
    A. Excessive funding from the government
    B. Low participation from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
    C. High levels of collaboration with industry
    D. Streamlined bureaucratic processes
    Correct Answer: B. Low participation from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
    Explanation: HEIs contribute only 8.8% of the overall R&D investment, indicating their limited role in the research landscape.
  3. What initiative aims to support Deep Tech startups in India?
    A. Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Act
    B. National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP)
    C. Uchhatar Avishkar Yojana (UAY)
    D. Impacting Research Innovation & Technology (IMPRINT)
    Correct Answer: B. National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP)
    Explanation: The NDTSP is specifically designed to nurture the unique requirements of Deep Tech startups, enhancing their contribution to India’s R&D ecosystem.
  4. What is one of the suggested measures to improve India’s R&D ecosystem?
    A. Increasing bureaucratic hurdles
    B. Promoting public-private partnerships
    C. Reducing funding for education
    D. Discouraging collaboration between academia and industry
    Correct Answer: B. Promoting public-private partnerships
    Explanation: Encouraging collaboration between academia and industry can help bridge the gap between research and commercialization, enhancing the overall impact of R&D efforts.

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