Discuss the ideas that are required by the Government of India to redouble its efforts to improve Science, Research & Development in the country. (200 Words)
Refer - Financial Express
Enrich the answer from other sources, if the question demands.
IAS Parliament 6 years
KEY POINTS
Ideas for Better R&D
1. Improving math and cognitive skills at the school level
While India has made considerable strides in improving access to primary and secondary education, learning outcomes have been weak. This weakness denies India access to the intellect and energies of millions of young people.
2. Encourage Investigator-led Research
India needs to gradually move to have a greater share of an investigator-driven model for funding science research like the establishment of the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body of DST. It is a promising start that needs to expand with more resources and creative governance structures.
3. Increase funding for research from private sector as well as from state governments
The private sector should be incentivized to both undertake more R&D but to also support STEM research through CSR funds. Government can also work with the private sector to create new R&D funding opportunities which are also in line with private sector interests. Efforts like the 50:50 partnership with SERB for industry relevant research under the Ucchatar Avishkar Yojana (UAY) is a good example of what could help make such partnerships fruitful.
State governments too need to recognize the need to invest in application oriented research aimed at problems specific to their economies and populations. This would both strengthen state universities as well as provide much needed knowledge in areas such as crops, ecology and species specific to a state.
4. Link national labs to universities and create new knowledge eco-systems
A closer relationship between Universities and research institutes in the specific geographic and spatial settings would help nurture research in areas reflecting the fields of science in which the national research centers have strengths. Together they can link up with the commercial sectors and help develop industrial clusters in those areas that draw on these research strengths and lay the foundations of innovation driven “smart cities.”
5. Take a mission driven approach to R&D
Examples
National Mission on Genomics Genomic research lies at the heart of the future of the life sciences.
National Mission on Mathematics has two special advantages for India: i) it is not capital intensive; ii) standards of excellence are universal. A National Mission of Mathematics will improve mathematics teaching at all levels of higher education, seek to establish five institutes of mathematical sciences within existing institutions.
Nandadeep 6 years
Kindly review.thanks
IAS Parliament 6 years
Try discussing ideas like strong foundation in schools, industry academia interface, mission based approach etc. Keep Writing
