Hints of the corporatisation of science research in India
Source: The Hindu
For Prelims:
- Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF):
- Established under the ANRF Act of 2023
- Designed to fund research in India
- Aims to improve linkages between research and development, academia and industry
- To receive ₹50,000 crore over five years, with 72% expected from the private sector
- Science Research Funding in India:
- Current public funding for science research: 0.6% to 0.7% of GDP
- Comparison: South Korea spends about 2% to 3% of its GDP on research
- Key Policy Developments:
- 'Dehradun Declaration' (2015): Prepared by directors of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research labs
- Base year for Wholesale Price Index (WPI) calculation: 2011-12
For Mains (GS III - Science and Technology, Economic Development):
- Corporatisation of Science Research in India:
- Government push for self-financing research through marketing of patents and expertise
- Encouragement of research centers registered as Section 8 companies to attract private investment
- Potential impact on curiosity-driven research and basic sciences
- Challenges in Research Funding:
- Shift towards market-oriented research and prototype development
- Concerns about reduced government role in funding basic research
- Potential decline of curiosity-driven science in universities
- Public vs Private Funding in Research:
- Government's expectation of increased private sector involvement in research funding
- Limitations of private sector funding for basic and non-profit research
- Need for balanced approach to maintain scientific autonomy and public trust
- Research Autonomy and Academic Freedom:
- Concerns about political and ideological interference in academic institutions
- Importance of maintaining financial and administrative autonomy of research institutes
Highlights of the Article:
- The article discusses the Indian government's approach to science research funding, highlighting a shift towards corporatisation and market-oriented research.
- It raises concerns about the potential impact of reduced public funding on basic and curiosity-driven research.
- The establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is presented as a significant development, with analysis of its funding structure and objectives.
- The author emphasizes the need for increased public funding in scientific research to maintain India's competitive edge and foster innovation.
- The piece also touches on broader issues of academic freedom and the importance of nurturing an environment conducive to free inquiry in scientific institutions
UPSC EXAM NOTES ANALYSIS
1. Background
- At the 107th Science Congress in Bengaluru in January 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined the government's vision for the direction of scientific research in India. Addressing young researchers with his characteristic succinctness, he emphasized the sequence "innovate, patent, produce, prosper," signaling the emergence of a new policy on knowledge creation under his administration.
- Over time, the current government has been pushing laboratories and research centers to generate revenue through external sources by leveraging their expertise and reinvesting the profits into developing technologies for national initiatives.
- This approach can be traced back to the 'Dehradun Declaration' of 2015, where directors of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) labs agreed to market patents as a means of self-funding research.
- Essentially, this marked a shift towards the commercialization of scientific research—transforming state-owned entities into market-driven commodities that sustain themselves through business models, rather than relying solely on public funding.
- Science institutes are now being encouraged to create research centers registered as Section 8 companies, allowing private companies or shareholders to invest in their endeavours
2. Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and it's research
- The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is an initiative aimed at boosting research and innovation in India. It serves as a central body to fund and support research across various disciplines, including science, technology, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.
- The foundation's primary goal is to create a robust ecosystem that fosters interdisciplinary research and collaboration among academic institutions, industries, and government agencies.
- By providing financial resources and facilitating partnerships, the ANRF aims to enhance the quality and impact of research in India. It seeks to address key national challenges, promote innovation, and drive the country's scientific and technological advancements. The foundation's efforts are geared towards making India a global hub for cutting-edge research and knowledge production
- Finance Minister reiterated this approach, stating, "We will operationalise the ANRF for basic research and prototype development." The emphasis on "prototype development" is crucial, as it highlights the government's focus on funding research that can lead to marketable products—a clear indication of its market-driven agenda
- Another telling sign is the funding structure: the ANRF is slated to receive ₹50,000 crore over five years, with 72% expected to come from the private sector. This allocation suggests that the government plans to scale back its financial support for research, relying heavily on private enterprise to fill the gap
- Even in the United States, where private sector funding for research and development has significantly outpaced government contributions over the past decade, this funding is largely concentrated in IT and pharmaceuticals
- The knowledge generated through such research is often treated as a commodity, ready for commercialization
3. Significance of Scientific research for any Country
Scientific research plays a pivotal role in the development and progress of any country. Its significance extends across multiple dimensions:
- Scientific research drives technological advancements that lead to the creation of new industries, products, and services. These innovations can boost a country's economy by creating jobs, increasing productivity, and opening up new markets. Countries that invest in research and development (R&D) often lead in global economic competitiveness
- Research in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and environmental science directly impacts the well-being of a nation's citizens. Breakthroughs in medical research lead to better healthcare, new treatments, and improved public health outcomes. Agricultural research can enhance food security by developing more resilient crops, while environmental research helps in tackling issues like climate change and pollution
- Advanced research in areas like cybersecurity, defense technology, and space exploration enhances a country's ability to protect itself and maintain its sovereignty. Scientific research contributes to the development of cutting-edge defense technologies, ensuring that a nation can safeguard its interests and respond to emerging threats
- A strong emphasis on scientific research fosters a culture of inquiry and critical thinking, which is essential for educational development.
- Universities and research institutions that prioritize research attract top talent, both domestically and internationally, contributing to the growth of human capital. This, in turn, helps build a knowledgeable and skilled workforce that can drive innovation and sustain economic growth
- Countries that lead in scientific research often hold significant influence on the global stage. They can set international standards, shape global policies, and collaborate with other nations on pressing global issues, such as climate change, pandemics, and space exploration. Scientific research also strengthens diplomatic ties through international collaborations and joint ventures
- Scientific research is essential for finding solutions to global challenges, including climate change, pandemics, energy sustainability, and biodiversity loss. By investing in research, countries contribute to global efforts to address these challenges, ensuring a better future for all
4. Comparision between Countries
- Although India is among the top 10 countries by GDP, its public funding for scientific research has remained between 0.6% and 0.7% of GDP over the past decade. In contrast, South Korea, with only a third of India's size and population, allocates about 2% to 3% of its GDP to research.
- While encouraging private sector contributions is important, the government must also increase funding for basic science and non-profit research. Without this, curiosity-driven science in universities could decline, potentially eroding public trust in science, especially if research becomes overly influenced by private interests.
- It's also crucial to foster an environment of free inquiry and ensure the financial and administrative independence of research institutions, a point that should have been more clearly emphasized in the ANRF Act.
5. Conclusion
In conclusion, while India holds a strong position globally in terms of GDP, its investment in scientific research lags behind countries like South Korea, which allocate a significantly higher percentage of their GDP to research and development. For India to sustain and enhance its scientific capabilities, it is imperative that the government increases its funding for basic and non-profit research. This will not only prevent the decline of curiosity-driven science in universities but also help maintain public trust in science by ensuring that research is not overly influenced by private interests. Furthermore, fostering an environment that supports free inquiry and upholding the autonomy of research institutions are essential for nurturing innovation and academic freedom. A robust vision for the future of science in India must be rooted in a commitment to both increased funding and the protection of intellectual independence, ensuring that scientific progress thrives in an open and supportive society
|
Mains Practice Questions
|
