India 2018

480 India 2018
25
Scientific and Technological
Developments
DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology, in its endeavour to strengthen
national science and technology capacity and capability, kept its pace to
implement several planned initiatives to enable Indian S&T community to
increase scientific and technological outputs. Some of the important domains
in which the Department devotes its attention are: strengthening the pool of
scientists and technologists for carrying out globally competitive R&D in cutting
edge areas of science; nurturing R&D institutions and building infrastructural
facilities for enhancing global ranking of India in scientific research; support
for the establishment of multi-stakeholder mechanisms for partnerships for
promoting science; deploying technology through national missions; developing
capacity of institutions and industry for technology commercialization for
solving national challenges; providing S&T inputs to society for its socioeconomic
benefits; and policy formulation for S&T sector.
Department of Science and Technology
www.dst.gov.in
Science, Technology and Innovation Policy
The new Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy unveiled in 2013
includes a thrust for innovations in science and technology sector. STI policy
reveals an aspiration to gain global competitiveness and link science sector to
the developmental agenda of the country. Science, research and innovation
system for high technology led path for India (SRISHTI) is the main policy
goal. Integration of science, research and innovation systems and emergence of
India as one of the top five of six knowledge powers in science are expressed
aspirations of the new STI policy. To translate this vision into action, the
Department has already established a dedicated Policy Research Cell. Five
policy research centres in academic institutions have been established to develop
and design new programmes and action plans for implementation in science,
technology and innovation sector in the country.
Science and Engineering Research
The research and development in frontier areas of science and engineering has
received an overwhelming support with the establishment of the Science and
Engineering Research Board (SERB). The multifaceted programmes of the Board
have ensured its reach among various S&T stakeholders. Several new initiatives
have been launched by the Board recently to reverse the brain drain at different
stages of scientific careers such as Early Career Research Awards (ECRA) for
young faculty for setting up laboratory facilities for quick launching of research
by new faculty, around 300 candidates will be supported annually under ECRA.