Science Gets Local: NITI Aayog Unveils Blueprint to Power States with Innovation

Strategic Launch In a pioneering attempt to decentralize scientific progress, NITI Aayog has unfolded its roadmap to strengthen State Science and Technology (S&T) Councils. The vision is to transform the councils into active bearers of local innovation, towards India's vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Key Highlights

The roadmap identifies structural governance, financial, and institutional capacity shortfalls in the state S&T councils

It suggests that a minimum of 0.5 percent of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) be spent on science and technology

Focus is placed on building industry relationships, expanding governing councils with professional members, and strengthening STI information systems

Capacity Building & Reform

Councils are urged to transition from mission-based projects to mission-based programs with measurable impact

Proposals are made for regularizing manpower, rewarding efficiency, and improving autonomy in decision-making

The vision calls upon states to create thematic clusters around common priorities such as biotech, clean energy, and agri-tech

Federal Synergy

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the importance of synergizing state efforts with central efforts to leverage grassroots innovation

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is well placed to be the lead co-investment and co-operation facilitator

NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery emphasized the role of science in informing federal policy-making for inclusive growth

Prospects

If implemented, the roadmap would enable India to improve its international image in research and innovation.

It provides the foundation for an ecosystem so future-proof states are at the vanguard of scientific capability

Sources: The Hans India, Daily Excelsior, The Hindu Business Line, Economic Times, NewsOnAir, Groson Advisors