NITI Aayog Holds Second Consultative Meeting on R&D Reforms for Ease of Doing Business
The Second National Consultative Meeting aimed at reforming India’s Research and Development (R&D) ecosystem kicked off today at the CSIR – Indian Institute of Petroleum in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Chaired by Dr. V.K. Saraswat, a member of NITI Aayog, this two-day event builds on discussions from the first meeting held in May 2025. The initiative seeks to address systemic challenges within India’s R&D framework, focusing on enhancing the capabilities of government-funded institutions and laboratories to foster a more innovative and resilient research environment.
Inauguration and Key Dignitaries
The meeting commenced with the presence of several distinguished guests, including Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary of DSIR, and Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, President of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA). Dr. Harender Singh Bisht, Director of CSIR-IIP, along with senior representatives from various scientific ministries, also attended the event. Prof. Vivek Kumar Singh, Senior Adviser at NITI Aayog, initiated the discussions by outlining a thematic framework that emphasized the importance of institutional agility, innovation-driven governance, and improved collaboration between industry and academia. This framework aims to set the stage for productive dialogues on enhancing India’s R&D landscape.
Transforming R&D Institutions
During the inaugural session, Dr. V.K. Saraswat highlighted the urgent need to transform government-funded R&D institutions into dynamic and mission-oriented ecosystems. He pointed out that scientific research should be liberated from bureaucratic constraints and rigid hierarchies. Instead, it should be empowered through decentralized decision-making, timely funding, and accountability based on performance. Dr. Saraswat reaffirmed NITI Aayog’s commitment to fostering systemic reforms through ongoing stakeholder engagement and evidence-based policy recommendations. His remarks set a tone for the meeting, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and responsiveness in the R&D sector.
Collaborative Governance and Infrastructure Development
Dr. N. Kalaiselvi praised NITI Aayog for spearheading this crucial dialogue and stressed the significance of collaborative governance in addressing persistent structural challenges. She underscored the necessity of revitalizing R&D infrastructure, particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 institutions, to enhance their capabilities. Furthermore, she advocated for stronger partnerships between industry and academia to promote impactful translational research. Dr. Kalaiselvi also pointed out the importance of aligning national scientific efforts with local innovation needs, ensuring that research outputs are relevant and beneficial to the community.
Focus on Human Capital in Science
Prof. Ashutosh Sharma brought attention to the human aspect of scientific research, advocating for greater trust in researchers and a reduction in micromanagement. He called for the establishment of flexible career pathways in science to retain young talent within Indian institutions. His remarks highlighted the urgency of providing better opportunities, mentorship, and global exposure to emerging scientists. The ongoing meeting will continue on June 4, 2025, with focused discussions on various themes, including institutional governance, researcher mobility, translational research, and enhancing public-private collaboration, all aimed at strengthening India’s R&D ecosystem.
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