India“s Principal Scientific Adviser, Ajay Kumar Sood, has underscored the importance of achieving technological sovereignty to secure the nation”s strategic independence. To facilitate this goal, the Indian government has introduced the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) scheme, backed by a substantial fund of one lakh crore rupees.
During a recent interaction with ANI, Sood articulated that technological sovereignty is vital for a country”s strategic autonomy. He emphasized the need for collaboration between private sector research and development and government support systems such as the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and the RDI scheme to enhance the overall research and development (R&D) framework in India.
On the same day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the RDI Fund aimed at stimulating private sector investment in research and development efforts. This initiative is designed to mitigate risks associated with private investments and motivate industries to engage in ambitious, high-impact innovations.
Sood, speaking at the Empowered Science and Technology Innovation Council (ESTIC) event, noted that the Prime Minister has provided a clear roadmap and vision for how technological advancements can yield societal benefits. “We must see that technology becomes more essential to every aspect of national growth,” he stated.
The discussions at the ESTIC focused on enhancing the R&D ecosystem, achieving self-reliance in critical technologies, and ensuring that innovation leads to measurable social and economic benefits. Sood described the RDI scheme as a potential game changer, asserting that it will foster synergy between public and private R&D sectors and accelerate India”s technological capabilities.
He highlighted that the R&D fund aims to focus on cutting-edge and future-oriented technologies. Furthermore, he mentioned that experts at the event advocated for increased involvement of Tier-II and Tier-III institutions to ensure that innovation is not confined to elite centers but is widespread throughout the country. “How do we bring Tier-II and Tier-III institutions as much into the play as Tier-I?” Sood queried, indicating the need for policy interventions to facilitate this integration.
In recognition of India”s expanding startup ecosystem, particularly in the space sector, Sood noted a significant increase in the number of startups, which have grown from single digits to several hundred. These startups are now engaged in various activities, including rocket development, satellite technology, and data utilization.
The Union Cabinet approved the RDI Scheme in July, recognizing the vital contribution of the private sector in driving innovation and commercializing research. The scheme is intended to provide long-term financing options at low or zero interest rates to encourage private sector investment in R&D, particularly in emerging and strategic sectors. The overarching strategic direction for the RDI scheme will be guided by the Governing Board of the ANRF, chaired by the Prime Minister.
