Third Regional Consultative Meeting on Ease of Doing Research & Development
The Third Regional Consultative Meeting on “Ease of Doing Research & Development (R&D)” took place on July 14-15, 2025, at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu in Jammu & Kashmir. Organized by NITI Aayog, this two-day event aimed to enhance India’s R&D ecosystem by addressing persistent challenges and proposing systemic reforms. Key figures from academia, research institutions, and policymaking gathered to discuss strategies for fostering innovation and collaboration in the research landscape.
Key Participants and Opening Remarks
The meeting featured prominent attendees, including Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Science and Technology, who served as the Chief Guest. Dr. V. K. Saraswat, a member of NITI Aayog, also attended. The event commenced with a welcome address from Prof. M. S. Gaur, Director of IIT Jammu, who emphasized the institute’s commitment to advancing India’s research agenda and promoting a culture of excellence. Prof. Vivek Kumar Singh, Senior Adviser at NITI Aayog, outlined the meeting’s objectives, focusing on governance reform, translational research, and enhancing inter-institutional collaboration.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the strategic importance of Jammu & Kashmir as an emerging hub for science and technology. He urged for the reduction of bureaucratic obstacles and called for empowering young scientists to create a conducive environment for innovative research. Dr. Saraswat echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for modernizing institutional frameworks and providing researchers with greater autonomy. He reaffirmed NITI Aayog’s dedication to incorporating regional insights into national policy reforms.
Insights from Distinguished Guests
The discussions were enriched by contributions from distinguished guests, including Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, CEO of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Prof. Vinod Kumar Singh, President of the National Academy of Sciences, India, and Prof. Manish R. Joshi, Secretary of the University Grants Commission (UGC). Each guest shared valuable perspectives on the necessity for systemic coordination, simplified procedures, and integrated support within India’s research ecosystem.
The meeting built upon insights from previous consultative gatherings held in Lucknow and Dehradun. The focus in Jammu was on critical themes such as simplifying procurement processes, implementing performance-linked funding, enhancing institutional autonomy, and fostering public-private partnerships. Participants also discussed the importance of supporting early-career researchers and bridging the gap between laboratory research and market application.
Recommendations for Future Reforms
The discussions at the meeting underscored the need to strengthen research capacity in non-metro institutions and streamline regulatory frameworks to promote impactful research. Participants emphasized the importance of creating an environment that encourages high-quality research and innovation across the country.
The outcomes and recommendations from this consultative meeting will play a significant role in shaping a comprehensive national reform strategy being developed by NITI Aayog. This strategy aims to bolster India’s scientific leadership and innovation capabilities, reinforcing the government’s commitment to establishing India as a global hub for research and innovation. The ongoing dialogue among stakeholders highlights the collaborative efforts necessary to address the challenges facing the research community in India.
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