Private Sector to Play Key Role in National Research Foundation: Dr. Jitendra Singh

The Union Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, emphasized the crucial role of the private sector in shaping India’s research ecosystem through the National Research Foundation (NRF), while addressing the Lok Sabha today. He highlighted that a significant portion of the NRF’s funding would come from private and philanthropic sources, ensuring a dynamic and sustainable research environment.

Dr. Singh stated that the NRF, named ‘Anusandhan’, has been designed based on global models like those in the United States, but with an Indian ethos. He expressed confidence that the NRF’s structure is a refined version of international frameworks, aimed at fostering innovation and driving scientific advancements in the country.

Equitable Funding and Regional Growth

Addressing concerns about fund allocation and regional research development, particularly in Rajasthan, the Minister assured that funding distribution would be based on merit and necessity. He added that private sector participation would be instrumental in determining research investments across various states.

Multi-Tiered Funding Structure

Dr. Singh elaborated on the NRF’s four-tier funding mechanism, which includes:

• ANRF Fund
• Innovation Fund
• Society for Engineering and Research Board (now integrated into NRF)
• A Rs 20,000 crore Special Purpose Fund for Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI)

Out of the Rs 50,000 crore corpus, Rs 14,000 crore will come from the government, while the remaining Rs 36,000 crore will be mobilized from private and philanthropic sources. This approach, he said, ensures an equitable research model that not only supports start-ups but also promotes their long-term sustainability.

Public-Private Collaboration: A Proven Model

Dr. Singh cited India’s success in space technology and vaccine development as key examples of how public-private partnerships (PPP) can propel the country’s global leadership in research and innovation.

“Our achievements in space and vaccine development have positioned India among the global leaders. We were once labeled among the ‘Fragile Five’; today, we aspire to be in the ‘First Five’,” he remarked.

India’s Rising Innovation Ecosystem

Highlighting India’s rapid progress in research and innovation, Dr. Singh pointed out that the country has witnessed a massive expansion in start-ups, growing from 350 in 2014 to 1.75 lakh today, making India the third-largest innovation ecosystem in the world. Additionally, India now ranks sixth in global patent filings, with 56% of patents filed by resident Indians, showcasing the nation’s thriving domestic talent.

Vision for the Future

India currently ranks fourth in global research publications, and the government aims to further improve this ranking by 2029. Dr. Singh emphasized that the era of working in silos is over, and the NRF will promote collaborative synergies to strengthen India’s research capabilities on the global stage.

With the NRF set to transform India’s research landscape, the Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and making India a scientific powerhouse in the coming years.