NITI Aayog Unveils Reports to Enhance India’s R&D Ecosystem
NITI Aayog has launched two pivotal reports titled “Ease of Doing Research & Development in India” and “Survey Report on Ease of Doing R&D in India” on April 9, 2026, in New Delhi. These reports are designed to foster a more efficient and innovation-driven research ecosystem across the nation. The insights presented in the reports stem from a thorough nine-month process that engaged over 400 institutional leaders and received input from more than 850 renowned scientists and researchers nationwide.
Reports Unveiled by Government Officials
The formal release of the reports was conducted by Shri Suman Bery, the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, alongside Chief Guest Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Science & Technology. The event also saw participation from Dr. V. K. Saraswat, Member of NITI Aayog, senior officials from various scientific departments, presidents of science academies, and representatives from both academia and the industry.
Highlighting Key Findings
The event initiated with a welcome address and a detailed presentation by Prof. Vivek Kumar Singh, Senior Adviser at NITI Aayog. He summarized the reports’ goals, methodologies, and key findings. Central to the discussions were the challenges identified in several thematic areas, accompanied by actionable recommendations derived from nationwide surveys and stakeholder consultations.
Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, former president of the Indian National Science Academy, emphasized the necessity of bolstering innovation in research. Concurrently, Prof. Vinod Kumar Singh, President of the National Academy of Sciences, India, urged for more support for researchers at every level, especially for early-stage scientists. Dr. Shekhar C. Mande, also from INSA, called attention to the importance of facilitating private sector involvement in research funding, advocating for flexible financial norms to encourage such contributions.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, reinforced that improving the ease of conducting R&D is an ongoing journey and emphasized implementing the report’s findings. Dr. V. K. Saraswat pointed out that while research across India is conducted in diverse institutional contexts, researchers face consistent challenges related to internal processes and external ecosystem factors.
In his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh noted the reports’ evidence-based nature, emphasizing that research flourishes when impediments are removed. He called for increased private sector engagement, particularly through Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, to support emerging areas and startups.
Future Directions
Shri Suman Bery remarked on the critical need to translate research into practical applications, stressing the importance of institutional structures for mission-mode R&D and enhanced private sector participation. The reports advocate for adaptable frameworks that can stimulate collaboration and exploration in various research domains.
These comprehensive reports evaluate India’s R&D landscape and present recommendations aimed at enhancing funding mechanisms, institutional governance, and regulatory frameworks. They highlight the necessity for a supportive and outcome-driven environment that enables researchers and institutions to reach their full potential. With this initiative, NITI Aayog reaffirms its dedication to fortifying India’s research ecosystem and advancing the nation’s ambitions to emerge as a global frontrunner in science, technology, and innovation. The reports will be disseminated to relevant ministries and departments for further action.
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