In the global landscape, science & technology, and innovation (STI) have emerged as fundamental drivers of national development. Throughout its history since independence, India has implemented four major policies aimed at fostering STI:
- Scientific Policy Resolution (SPR) 1958
- Technology Policy Statement 1983
- Science and Technology Policy 2003 (STP 2003)
- Science Technology Innovation Policy 2013 (STIP 2013)
As India pursues faster, more sustainable, and inclusive growth, the Indian STI system, buoyed by a significant demographic dividend and a vast talent pool, is poised to play a pivotal role in realizing these national objectives.
Scientific Policy Resolution (SPR) 1958
- Origin:
- Scientific Policy Resolution (SPR) 1958 initiated by the government of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
- Nehru envisioned India as a welfare state, recognizing the pivotal role of science and technology in achieving this vision.
- Objectives:
- Establish scientific enterprise and temper in India.
- Utilize science and technology as drivers for socio-economic transformation.
- Reduce dependency on raw materials and capital through scientific advancements.
- Narrow the gap between India and developed countries.
- Strategies:
- Emphasize investment in science and technology for national prosperity.
- Develop educational programs to produce a skilled workforce in science.
- Foster a culture of scientific creativity and innovation among citizens.
- Recognize the importance of science in various sectors such as agriculture and defense.
- Implementation:
- Focus on cultivating scientific enterprise in pure and applied research.
- Prioritize the development of high-quality scientists.
- Establish mechanisms for scientific activity, acquisition, dissemination, and discovery of new knowledge.
- Result:
- SPR 1958 led to the establishment of numerous scientific organizations and national laboratories.
- Significantly contributed to research and development (R&D) and higher education in India.
- Initially, technology development was considered secondary to scientific research but later gained prominence.
- Legacy:
- SPR 1958 laid a robust foundation for India’s scientific and technological advancement.
- Demonstrated the importance of science policies in shaping national progress and prosperity.
Technology Policy Statement 1983
Following the Scientific Policy Resolution (SPR) 1958, India focused on developing its scientific enterprise over three decades. By the early 1980s, India had built a strong industrial and agricultural base and possessed a skilled workforce.
- Objectives:
- Technology Policy Statement (TPS) 1983 aimed to address societal needs and aspirations through technological development.
- Emphasized achieving technological self-reliance by promoting indigenous technologies.
- Highlighted the importance of efficient adoption of imported technologies while safeguarding national interests.
- Prioritized replacing obsolete technologies with those enhancing productivity, efficiency, and quality.
- Strategies:
- Encourage the adoption and development of indigenous technologies to utilize local resources efficiently.
- Strengthen the technology base in emerging sectors like information, electronics, and biotechnology through increased R&D investments and collaboration.
- Establish mechanisms for technology forecasting and assessment to guide future investments and developments.
- Implementation:
- Formation of an implementation committee to devise detailed guidelines for ministries and industries.
- Establishment of the Technology Development Fund (TDB) to provide financial support to Indian industries.
- Creation of the Technology Information Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) to predict and assess the usefulness of emerging and current technologies.
- Challenges:
- Economic liberalization post-1991 led to increased foreign investment, challenging the emphasis on technological self-reliance.
- Conflicts arose between the pursuit of indigenous technologies and the dependence on foreign investments in various socio-economic sectors.
- Conclusion:
- TPS 1983 played a crucial role in promoting technological self-reliance and fostering indigenous technological development.
- It laid the groundwork for leveraging technology to benefit all sections of society and improve conditions for the disadvantaged.
- However, shifting economic policies post-1991 posed challenges to the vision of technological self-reliance, necessitating a reevaluation of strategies in the face of globalization.
Science and Technology Policy 2003 (STP 2003)
By the early 2000s, India had established a robust infrastructure in science and technology, recognizing the evolving dynamics in these fields. Science and technology practices were becoming more multidisciplinary and globally interconnected, demanding a comprehensive policy approach.
- Objectives:
- Science and Technology Policy (STP) 2003 aimed to address the evolving landscape of science and technology and its impact on society and the economy.
- Recognized the need for integrating science and technology initiatives for equitable and sustainable development in a globalized world.
- Key Features:
- Emphasized the need for collaborative mechanisms among ministries, agencies, scientists, and technologists for effective planning and policymaking.
- Called for a significant increase in R&D investment to 2% of GDP, with a focus on basic research and modernizing infrastructure.
- Sought to attract Indian-origin scientists and engineers from abroad to contribute to the Indian science, technology, and innovation (STI) ecosystem.
- Encouraged R&D and innovation in sectors crucial for economic and social development.
- Advocated for the cross-pollination of industry and scientific research and the establishment of intellectual property regimes.
- Highlighted the importance of science diplomacy and international cooperation, particularly among developing countries.
- Implementation:
- Increased R&D investment over the decade following STP 2003, although not reaching the targeted 2% of GDP.
- Significant improvements in publication rankings, human capacity development, patent filings, and startup incubation were observed.
- Despite not meeting the GDP target, R&D investment reached a globally competitive figure of 0.7% of GDP.
- Outcomes:
- STP 2003 facilitated advancements in R&D, innovation, and human capacity, contributing to India’s scientific and technological progress.
- Increased collaboration between industry and academia, leading to the development of intellectual property and the mitigation of natural hazards.
- Enhanced focus on science diplomacy and international cooperation, especially among developing nations, further bolstered India’s standing in the global scientific community.
Science Technology Innovation Policy 2013 (STIP 2013)
The decade from 2010 to 2020 was designated as a decade of innovation under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s leadership. Recognized the necessity of transitioning to a knowledge-based economy to maintain global competitiveness.
- Objectives:
- Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (STIP) 2013 aimed to synergize science, technology, and innovation to position India among the top five global scientific powers.
- Promoted a science and technology-led innovation ecosystem linked to socio-economic priorities.
- Key Features:
- Introduced “innovation” as a critical component, emphasizing the importance of fostering a robust national innovation ecosystem.
- Encouraged private-sector contributions to the R&D ecosystem to drive science and technology-led innovation.
- Directed scientific discoveries towards developmental priorities in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, water, health, environment, and infrastructure.
- Impact:
- Facilitated India’s increased participation in global mega-science initiatives such as LIGO, LHC (CERN), ITER, and SKA.
- Contributed to aligning scientific outputs with developmental goals and addressing key societal challenges.
- Challenges and Future Evaluation:
- Despite progress, the full impact of STIP 2013 remains to be comprehensively evaluated.
- Ongoing assessment is necessary to understand the policy’s effectiveness in driving innovation and addressing socio-economic priorities.
- Conclusion:
- STIP 2013 represented a significant shift towards promoting innovation-driven growth and addressing societal challenges through science and technology.
- Continued evaluation and refinement of the policy are essential to sustain momentum and achieve desired outcomes in the innovation ecosystem.
FAQs
1. What is India’s approach to Science & Technology policy?
India’s approach to Science & Technology (S&T) policy is multifaceted, aiming to foster innovation, research, and development across various sectors. It emphasizes indigenous technology development, collaboration with international partners, and leveraging S&T for socio-economic development. The policy framework prioritizes areas such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, renewable energy, space exploration, and information technology to address national challenges and enhance global competitiveness.
2. How does India promote research and innovation in Science & Technology?
India promotes research and innovation in S&T through various mechanisms such as funding initiatives, establishment of research institutions, and fostering collaborations between academia, industry, and government. Programs like the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) provide grants, fellowships, and incentives to support R&D activities. Additionally, initiatives like the Atal Innovation Mission and Startup India encourage entrepreneurship and technology-driven solutions.
3. What measures does India take to address societal challenges through Science & Technology?
India integrates S&T into policy frameworks to address societal challenges such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and environmental sustainability. For instance, initiatives like the National Health Mission focus on leveraging technology for affordable healthcare delivery, while schemes like the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture promote innovations in agriculture and rural development. Furthermore, programs like Digital India and Smart Cities Mission harness technology for inclusive growth and urban development.
4. How does India collaborate internationally in the field of Science & Technology?
India actively collaborates with international partners in S&T through bilateral agreements, joint research projects, and participation in global initiatives. Collaborative efforts include partnerships with countries like the United States, Japan, and European Union members, as well as engagement with multilateral organizations such as the United Nations and UNESCO. These collaborations facilitate knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and capacity building, contributing to global scientific advancements and addressing shared challenges.
5. What is India’s vision for the future of Science & Technology policy?
India’s vision for the future of S&T policy is centered on fostering innovation-driven growth, enhancing global competitiveness, and addressing emerging challenges through advanced technologies. Key priorities include promoting interdisciplinary research, strengthening the innovation ecosystem, enhancing R&D infrastructure, and increasing investments in transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing. The goal is to position India as a leading global hub for scientific research, technological innovation, and sustainable development.
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