Prelims: Current Events of National and International importance
Why in News?
Recently, Niti Aayog has proposed a roadmap to strengthen State Science and Technology (S&T).
- Aim - To decentralize scientific governance and boost region-specific innovation for economic growth.
- Focus - It is focusing on structural reforms, funding strategies, and stronger industry linkages to make these councils drivers of technological self-reliance and sustainable development.
- Transforming Councils into Innovation Hubs - State S&T Councils must evolve from passive bodies into dynamic enablers of regional innovation.
- Funding Imbalances - The report recommends performance-linked funding and encouraging councils to secure project grants and private sector support.
- States like Kerala and Karnataka, have leveraged their councils to drive initiatives whereas other states remain hindered by irregular meetings, limited autonomy, and over-reliance on core grants from central agencies.
- Leadership - Niti Aayog suggests full-time executive directors with industry expertise and including industry bodies (CII, FICCI), scientists in council governance for better accountability and impact.
- Boosting Industry Partnerships – Strengthening Industry engagement ties is crucial for converting research into market-ready solutions and fostering local entrepreneurship.
- Successful State Initiatives
- Punjab’s anti-stubble burning briquetting plants,
- Mizoram’s grassroots innovation centre, and
- Kerala’s fellowship for women scientists returning to research.
- Towards a Knowledge Economy - State S&T Councils are vital for addressing local challenges in agriculture, renewable energy, disaster management, and healthcare.
- Empowering them is key to building a resilient, innovation-driven India ready to compete globally.
- Need for Reform - India faces rising global competition in innovation and seeks to improve its R&D rankings.
- Empowering state institutions is seen as essential for bridging gaps in the decentralised R&D landscape and achieving technological ambitions.
Reference
BW| Niti Ayog’s Report on Reforming S&T Councils
