Science Technology and Innovation (STI) Policies in India
India strongly recognizes the crucial role of science, technology, and innovation in driving economic growth, societal development, and global competitiveness. To build a strong foundation for research, the government has formulated various policies since independence. The scientific journey of the country has been guided primarily by four major policies:
- Scientific Policy Resolution (SPR 1958),
- Technology Policy Statement (TPS 1983),
- Science and Technology Policy (STP 2003), and
- Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP 2013).
Scientific Policy Resolution (SPR 1958)
Technology Policy Statement (TPS 1983)
Science and Technology Policy (STP 2003)
This policy was enacted to help India keep pace with fast-moving global advancements. Its primary goal was to ensure that the country stays competitive while achieving equitable and sustainable development. A major shift in this policy was the simultaneous consideration of both science and technology in national policymaking.
Key Features of STP 2003
- Investment Goal: It called for a massive increase in R&D investment, aiming to reach 2% of the GDP.
- Expert Consultation: It established mechanisms to gather direct inputs from scientists and technologists for government planning.
- Infrastructure: It focused on the modernization of science and engineering infrastructure in academic institutions across the country.
- Brain Gain: It created incentive mechanisms to attract Indian-origin scientists and engineers working abroad back to India.
- Industry Linkage: It encouraged the cross-pollination of industry and scientific research to ensure R&D impacts the real economy.
- Inventor Protection: It emphasized the establishment of strong Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) regimes to protect and reward inventors.
- Global Outreach: It promoted science diplomacy and international cooperation, particularly with other developing countries.
