India Launches National Research Foundation to Boost Innovation
In a significant move to enhance India’s innovation landscape, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the establishment of the National Research Foundation (NRF) during a Lok Sabha session. The NRF, designed to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors, will primarily rely on non-government funding to support its initiatives. This strategic approach aims to position India as a global leader in research and development.
Private Sector’s Role in NRF Funding
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the importance of private sector involvement in the NRF, aptly named ‘Anusandhan’. He noted that the foundation’s funding model is inspired by successful global frameworks, particularly those in the United States. “We are among the few nations with such a structured research foundation, and I am confident that our model is a refined version of existing frameworks,” he stated.
The NRF is set to receive a substantial portion of its funding from private partners and philanthropic contributions. Dr. Singh assured that the allocation of funds would be merit-based and equitable, particularly benefiting regions like Rajasthan. “Rajasthan will have a larger pool, and private participation will determine investments,” he explained, highlighting the need-based distribution of resources.
Comprehensive Funding Structure
The NRF’s funding structure is multifaceted, comprising four key components. Dr. Singh outlined that the total corpus for the NRF is Rs 50,000 crore, with Rs 14,000 crore sourced from the government and Rs 36,000 crore from private entities. This includes the ANRF Fund, the Innovation Fund, and the Society for Engineering and Research Board, now integrated into the NRF. Additionally, a special purpose fund of Rs 20,000 crore is dedicated to research, development, and innovation (RDI).
“This multi-faceted approach ensures that research initiatives are well-supported, fostering both innovation and long-term growth in India’s scientific ecosystem,” Dr. Singh remarked. He cited India’s achievements in space exploration and vaccine development as examples of successful public-private collaborations that have propelled the nation to the forefront of global innovation.
India’s Growing Innovation Ecosystem
Highlighting India’s remarkable progress in innovation, Dr. Singh pointed out that the country has surged from just 350 start-ups in 2014 to an impressive 1.75 lakh today, making it the third-largest innovation ecosystem worldwide. He also noted a significant increase in patent filings, with India now ranking sixth globally. “More importantly, 56% of patents are filed by resident Indians, proving that our talent is thriving within the country,” he added.
With India currently ranking fourth in global research publications, the government aims to further enhance its standing by 2029. Dr. Singh reiterated the commitment to building a robust research and development ecosystem, stating, “The age of working in silos is over. We are integrating efforts, building synergies, and ensuring that India’s research prowess is recognized globally.”
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