Context: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized the importance of authentic research and innovation capable of driving meaningful transformation. He advocated for advancing indigenization beyond fundamental stages and underscored the significance of patents and technology in positioning India as a global leader.
| What is Authentic and practical research? Authentic and practical research is innovative, transformative, and focused on addressing real-world issues. It drives progress by expanding knowledge and providing effective, applicable solutions to meet societal demands and create lasting impact. What is India’s status in patents and technology? Global Standing: According to the World Intellectual Property Indicators (WIPI) 2024 report by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), India has achieved the sixth rank globally in patent filings. This milestone signifies India’s debut in the top ten across all three key intellectual property categories: patents, trademarks, and industrial designs. Growth Trends: In 2023, India witnessed a 15.7% rise in patent filings, reaching a total of 64,480 applications. This marks the fifth consecutive year of double-digit growth in patent submissions, reflecting a consistent upward trend. |
What constitutes “authentic and practical research”?
- Authenticity: The Vice President emphasized that research should be sincere and meaningful, avoiding superficial efforts. Genuine research should align with real-world transformations and hold long-term value rather than becoming obsolete or ignored over time.
- Innovative Edge: He advocated for research that breaks new ground, advancing the frontiers of knowledge rather than merely reiterating what is already known.
- Practical Relevance: The Vice President highlighted the need for research to address real-life challenges, ensuring it delivers tangible benefits and has a significant societal impact.
How can India improve its research and development (R&D) landscape?
- Emphasis on Patents: The Vice President highlighted that India’s participation in global patent contributions is currently limited. He advocated for a focus on impactful areas of research that could elevate India’s position in the global arena.
- Supporting Startups: He stressed the importance of promoting domestic startups and fostering the development of indigenous components. He suggested that established companies, such as BEL, should mentor and provide resources to help these startups flourish.
- Educational Transformation: The Vice President underlined the importance of cultivating a spirit of innovation among students. He emphasized that educational institutions should prioritize creativity and practical skills over a mere emphasis on acquiring degrees.
What are the initiatives to improve the Research Ecosystem in India?
- Promoting Corporate Participation: The Vice President emphasized the need for corporations to actively engage in research and development, proposing the creation of a collaborative platform to substantially enhance research initiatives.
- Advancing in Semiconductors: He encouraged BEL to spearhead advancements in the semiconductor industry, covering the entire spectrum from design to manufacturing, as a strategic move to strengthen India’s technological prowess.
What are the barriers to effective research in India?
- Shallow Research Outcomes: The Vice President pointed out that producing research without depth or practical value poses a major challenge. He criticized the practice of publishing papers that are soon disregarded, advocating for more meaningful and impactful contributions.
- Lack of International Recognition: He observed that a significant portion of India’s research fails to gain global acknowledgment, diminishing its potential influence on the international stage.
- Limited Awareness of Opportunities: He highlighted that many young people are unaware of the wide range of opportunities beyond conventional government jobs, restricting their involvement in innovation and entrepreneurial ventures.
Way forward:
- Enhancing Industry-Academia Partnerships: Promote collaboration between academic institutions and industries to align research with real-world requirements, fostering innovation and creating opportunities for commercialization.
Encouraging High-Impact Research: Introduce grants, incentives, and international recognition programs to support researchers working in advanced and transformative fields, contributing meaningfully to India’s research and development ecosystem.
