Govt signs MoU with India Inc. to boost R&D

New Delhi, May 6 The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) on Wednesday at Kartavya Bhavan here to foster a robust ecosystem for research & development in the country by bridging the gap between industry, academia, and research institutions.

The MoU aims to promote research, its translation, and commercialisation, foster strategic partnerships, and support policy dialogue.

Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, highlighted the need for technology diffusion to generate new ideas, products, or processes across sectors. There is also a need to scale high-tech priority areas such as solar energy and green batteries. As the government-enabled RDI fund supports industries and startups, this is a unique opportunity for industries to carry out deep tech R&D. This MoU between the PSA's office and FICCI will bring structured engagement, enabling industry–academia linkages and connecting all stakeholders across India’s R&D ecosystem to deliver tangible results.

In his opening remarks, FICCI Vice President and Dalmia Bharat Group Managing Director Puneet Dalmia emphasised how this MoU will bring about a mindset shift with a focus on transitioning from academia to applications, silos to systems, and translational to transformational; thereby, leapfrogging across sectors.

Scientific Secretary, Office of PSA, Dr Parvinder Maini, highlighted the consistent efforts of the government towards having a sustained R&D ecosystem through its schemes such as Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Fund, and the recently announced Fund of Funds. She emphasised the need to bring industries together and involve MSMEs, leading to improved contribution of industries in R&D. These efforts will eventually reflect in the Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD).

Sangam Foundation Director Shaurya Doval highlighted the need for international participation in R&D and strengthening scalability and resilience of indigenous products and services, such as in energy dependency.

Speakers at the event also underscored the commitment of industrial R&D in diverse sectors, including energy solutions, the pharma sector, and agricultural biotechnology.

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