PM’s six point agenda for development of Science and Technology in the country
Gujarat Global News Network, Bhubaneshwar
Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, addressing the 99th Annual Session of the Indian Science Congress, in Bhubaneshwar gave out a six point agenda for the development in science and technology in the country in the next five years.
He said that, first, we must ensure a major increase in investment in R&D, including by industry and strategic sectors.
Second, we must the ensure creation of a new innovation ecosystem.
Third, we must achieve greater alignment of the Science and Technology sector with the inclusive development needs of our nation.
Fourth, we must expand basic science infrastructure.
Fifth, we must encourage greater research collaboration among universities and national laboratories. We hope to use the National Knowledge Network to this end.
Finally, we must enlarge the reach of international collaboration.
Prime Minister stressed upon the need for higher investment in RD. He said that as far as resources are concerned, the fraction of GDP spent on R&D in India has been too low and stagnant. We must aim to increase the total R&D spending as a percentage of GDP to at least 2 per cent by the end of the XII Plan Period from the current level of about 1 per cent.
This can only be achieved if industry, which contributes about one-third of the total R&D expenditure today, increases its contribution significantly. I sincerely believe that Public Sector Undertakings, particularly those in the energy sector should also play a major role in this expansion.
We have to increase public private partnerships and catalyse significantly increased interaction between publicly owned Science and Technology institutions and industry.
- Prev
- Next >>
