NITI Aayog has unveiled two reports, “Ease of Doing Research & Development in India” and the “Survey Report on Ease of Doing R&D in India,” with the aim of fostering a more efficient and innovation-driven research environment in the country. These reports offer a detailed evaluation of India’s research ecosystem and propose actionable suggestions to enhance funding mechanisms, institutional governance, regulatory frameworks, and research implementation. The emphasis is on creating a trust-based and outcome-oriented setting to empower researchers and institutions for optimal performance.
The reports, a result of a rigorous 9-month exercise involving inputs from over 400 institutional leaders and 850 distinguished scientists nationwide, are now being shared with relevant ministries and departments. During the formal release event, Suman Bery, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, and Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, highlighted the importance of evidence-based strategies in nurturing the research landscape. Singh stressed the need for an unobstructed research environment and advocated for increased private-sector engagement, especially in supporting research and innovation in emerging sectors and startups.
Bery underscored the significance of translating research outcomes into practical applications and called for structured approaches to mission-oriented research and development, with a focus on private sector involvement. Emphasizing the evolving nature of research that transcends traditional boundaries, he urged for adaptable frameworks to encourage collaboration and exploration across diverse domains. The event also featured insights from Prof. Vivek Kumar Singh, Senior Adviser at NITI Aayog, who outlined the report’s objectives, methodology, and key discoveries, emphasizing evidence-driven recommendations derived from nationwide surveys and stakeholder consultations.
