NITI Aayog Launches Roadmap to Strengthen States Through Science
In a significant move to enhance decentralized innovation in India, NITI Aayog has unveiled its strategic report titled “A Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils.” The report was launched by Shri Suman Bery, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, alongside Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology, who attended as the Chief Guest. The event also featured prominent figures from various scientific and technological sectors, highlighting the broad institutional support for this initiative aimed at fostering local development through science and technology.
Overview of the Report
The report emphasizes the crucial role that State Science and Technology (S&T) Councils can play in aligning national policies with local development needs. Prof. Vivek Kumar Singh, Senior Adviser at NITI Aayog, provided insights into the report’s development, which involved extensive regional consultations and a national workshop. This inclusive approach aimed to ensure that the roadmap reflects the diverse needs and challenges faced by different states. The report seeks to empower State S&T Councils to act as vital links between government initiatives and grassroots innovation, thereby facilitating a more responsive and effective science and technology ecosystem.
Transforming State S&T Councils
Dr. V.K. Saraswat, a member of NITI Aayog, discussed the evolving functions of State S&T Councils. He highlighted the necessity for improved techno-administrative leadership and robust data systems in science, technology, and innovation (STI). Dr. Saraswat stressed that these councils should not merely function as administrative bodies but evolve into integrated innovation ecosystems. This transformation is essential for addressing the demands of the 21st century, where collaboration among research institutions, industries, and grassroots innovators is vital for fostering innovation.
Strategic Importance of Local Development
During his keynote address, Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the importance of aligning state-level science and technology initiatives with local developmental priorities. He called for greater engagement from industries to support innovation funding through co-financing mechanisms. Dr. Singh emphasized that states should not solely depend on government funding but should view industries as essential partners in the innovation process. He also proposed the strategic coupling of states based on shared sectoral interests, such as biotechnology and clean energy, to foster collaboration and resource pooling.
Challenges and Future Directions
Shri Suman Bery highlighted the need for embedding science and technology within the broader framework of federal governance. He noted that empowered State S&T Councils could serve as catalysts for innovation when equipped with the right tools and leadership. The report identifies several challenges and advocates for a coordinated, well-governed, and sustainably funded network of State S&T Councils. The launch event saw participation from senior officials across various scientific departments, indicating strong institutional backing for this initiative. With this roadmap, NITI Aayog aims to initiate a paradigm shift, enabling State S&T Councils to become dynamic institutions that drive innovation and contribute significantly to India’s national transformation.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn
