Advancing Science and Technology in India
The 2nd All Science and Technology (S&T) Clusters’ Meet took place on November 25-26, 2024, in Bhubaneswar, India. This significant event was chaired by Prof. Ajay K. Sood, the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India. The meeting coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Office of the PSA (OPSA), marking a milestone in India’s scientific journey. Hosted by the Bhubaneswar City Knowledge and Innovation Cluster Foundation (BCKIC), the meet aimed to enhance collaboration among various stakeholders in the science and technology sector.
The S&T Cluster Initiative: A Collaborative Approach
The S&T Cluster Initiative, launched by OPSA in 2020, has successfully established eight dynamic clusters across India. These include the Andhra Pradesh Medtech Zone (AMTZ) in Vizag, Bengaluru Science and Technology (BeST), and the Delhi Research Implementation and Innovation (DRIIV), among others. Each cluster serves as a hub for academia, industry, local government, and startups. Together, they tackle regional challenges through innovative science and technology interventions.
During the meet, representatives from all eight clusters presented their achievements and ongoing projects. This showcase highlighted the tangible benefits of collaborative efforts in addressing local issues. Prof. Sood emphasized the need for interdisciplinary approaches and breaking down silos. He urged participants to focus on outcomes that traditional methods could not achieve. The cluster model aims to foster inter-cluster collaborations, allowing successful projects to be scaled and replicated across different regions.
Keynote Insights: Emphasizing Translational Research
In his keynote address, Prof. Sood stressed the importance of translational research. He pointed out that as India’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) ecosystem grows, it is crucial to ensure that research translates into practical solutions. Scientific Secretary Dr. Parvinder Maini echoed this sentiment, highlighting the cluster concept’s role in fostering collaboration among stakeholders. She noted that industry linkages are vital for the second phase of the cluster initiative, enabling the scaling and application of technologies for societal advancement.
The meeting also saw the release of six thematic compendiums covering critical areas such as healthcare, energy, agritech, and STEM education. These documents aim to guide future research and development efforts. Prof. Sood also launched a cluster dashboard to track and highlight the progress of cluster activities, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Engaging Stakeholders: Industry and Community Collaboration
The meet featured an interactive session with industry associations, corporate social responsibility (CSR) representatives, and local authorities. Discussions centered on how clusters can complement industry efforts and translate scientific research into actionable solutions. Participants explored avenues for collaboration that could drive economic and societal benefits.
Prof. Sood encouraged clusters to pursue inter-cluster collaborations actively. He emphasized that sharing successful outcomes across clusters could amplify their impact. By fostering broader implementation, these collaborations can enhance collective effectiveness before a nationwide rollout.
On the sidelines of the event, Prof. Sood inaugurated the Atal Tinkering Labs’ Student Innovation Fair. This initiative, part of the “Catch Them Young” program, provided a platform for school students and startups to showcase innovative ideas and products. The fair encouraged young minds to engage with science and technology, fostering a culture of innovation from an early age.
The 2nd All S&T Clusters’ Meet underscored the transformative potential of collaborative efforts in science and technology. It reinforced the commitment to driving regional and national development through innovative solutions. The event served as a reminder of the importance of working together to address the challenges of today and tomorrow.
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