NITI Aayog Unveils Interactive India S&T Scoreboard
NITI Aayog has officially launched the “India S&T Scoreboard” on November 3, 2026, at the Civil Services Officer’s Institute in New Delhi. This innovative platform was presented by Shri Ashok Kumar Lahiri, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog. The Scoreboard serves as an interactive tool designed to provide a comprehensive view of the science and technology (S&T) landscape across Indian states and Union Territories (UTs), aimed at fostering evidence-based policymaking and facilitating benchmarking.
Enhancing Data Access and Analysis
During the launch, Prof. Vivek Kumar Singh, Senior Adviser at NITI Aayog, highlighted the objectives of the Scoreboard, emphasizing its potential to transcend mere output metrics. The platform captures not only the quantity of research produced but also its quality, impact, and collaborative efforts. This focus enables states to pinpoint areas of expertise and take targeted actions to bolster their S&T initiatives.
Supporting Local Research and Development
Prof. Umesh V. Waghmare, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, noted that the Scoreboard enriches the evidence base at the state level, thus playing an important role in enhancing India’s overall research capabilities. He pointed out the importance of State Science and Technology Councils and universities in broadening the research landscape in India. Dr. T. Srinivasa Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, emphasized that local capacities in S&T are crucial for optimizing the use of forecasts and opportunities in various sectors, including the ocean sector.
Fostering Comparative Analysis and Best Practices
Prof. Abhay Karandikar, a member of NITI Aayog’s S&T division, reiterated the necessity for reliable, comparable data to underpin effective policies in science and technology. Current data fragmentation has posed challenges for states in understanding their S&T standings. The India S&T Scoreboard bridges this gap by integrating ecosystem data, publications, and patent information in a single interactive dashboard, displaying trends over the years to help states monitor their progress.
Encouraging Collaborative Federalism
Shri Ashok Kumar Lahiri articulated that advancing India’s science and technology realm requires active participation from the states. He stressed that the Scoreboard is a valuable asset for states to identify strengths, recognize gaps, and learn from one another to formulate improved programs and policies in the S&T domain. He encouraged all states and UTs to fully leverage the platform.
Future Developments and Collaborations
The installation of the Scoreboard integrates data from higher education institutions, R&D labs, startups, and incubators, alongside outputs like research publications and patents. This tool allows states to compare their S&T efforts side by side and offers detailed state profiles, encompassing policies and best practices. Following the launch, participants engaged in a technical session to explore the Scoreboard’s methodology and data sources, allowing for valuable feedback aimed at enhancing its future development.
The insights shared by esteemed guests from state governments and academia reinforced the Scoreboard’s role in strengthening State S&T ecosystems. With a robust evidence base, Indian states can better plan, build institutional capacity, and develop skilled human resources in science and technology as they collectively strive toward the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
For more information, access the India S&T Scoreboard at www.sts.niti.gov.in.
