Education

Strengthening Research Collaboration and Fostering a Culture of Research in India

India’s push to foster a culture of research has been given a boost with the unveiling of the country’s National Education Policy (NEP) in 2020. As part of the policy, the government has put the creation of a National Research Foundation (NRF) on the fast track, recognizing the importance of research in driving economic growth and inspiring innovation.

At present the country’s research and innovation investment currently stands at a relatively low 0.69% of GDP. To address this gap, the NRF will provide merit-based and equitable peer-reviewed research funding to universities and public institutions, with the goal of promoting a culture of research throughout the country. The NRF will also support the development of research capabilities in institutions where they are currently limited, and recognize and implement successful research through partnerships with government agencies, industry, and private or philanthropic organizations.

The NRF will be divided into ten directorates, covering a range of disciplines including natural sciences, mathematics, engineering, social sciences, and arts and humanities. In the 2021-2022 Union budget, the Indian government allocated 50,000 crore rupees over five years for the NRF, demonstrating its commitment to supporting research and innovation in the country.

As the current G20 president, India now has an opportunity to collaborate with other G20 countries on research initiatives. On March 15, a seminar will be held in the city of Amritsar, Punjab to explore ways of strengthening research collaboration under the G20 education working group. Previous G20 presidencies have focused on research and innovation collaboration in areas such as sustainable resource utilization, conservation of biodiversity, and green and blue economies. As India takes on the presidency, it has the chance to build on this tradition and establish itself as a leader in research and innovation in the 21st century.

 

If you like this story then please support us by a contributing a small amount you are comfortable with.