Introduction

The landscape of science research in India is undergoing a significant transformation as the nation increasingly embraces the corporatization model. This approach aims to integrate public and private funding, enhance innovation, and accelerate technology transfer, all while preserving the essence of curiosity-driven research. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami’s devastation highlighted the urgency for robust research, and today, India’s focus on blending commercial and fundamental science could shape its future breakthroughs.

India’s Thriving Scientific Ecosystem

• India boasts a dynamic scientific ecosystem encompassing fundamental research and applied technology. The India Science, Technology & Innovation (ISTI) Portal serves as a comprehensive repository for research, fellowships, scholarships, and startup initiatives, centralizing resources for students, scientists, and researchers.
• The Department of Science and Technology (DST) plays a crucial role in advancing research and development (R&D) in India. It supports groundbreaking research and technological advancements while fostering international collaborations.
• Recent highlights include the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Fellowship, promoting gender diversity, and joint programs like the INDIA-JAPAN Cooperative Science Programme, enhancing global scientific cooperation.

The Shift Towards Corporatization

• Recent policy shifts, including the ‘Dehradun Declaration’ of 2015 and the establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) in 2023, reflect India’s move towards corporatizing science research.
• The ANRF aims to bridge academia, industry, and development, with a substantial portion of its funding expected to come from private sources.
• This policy shift indicates a strategic effort to reduce direct government funding and increase private sector involvement, mirroring models seen in the United States, particularly in IT and pharmaceuticals.

The Impact of Corporatization

• Benefits: Corporatization promises several benefits, including increased innovation through private sector involvement and improved commercialization of research outcomes. The emphasis on prototype development and market-aligned research underscores the potential for translating scientific discoveries into practical applications.
• Challenges: However, this approach also presents challenges. Under-investment in science and technology remains a concern, with current funding levels falling short of optimal requirements. The shift towards commercialization might overshadow fundamental research, which is crucial for long-term scientific breakthroughs. There is a risk that the focus on marketable innovations could stifle curiosity-driven science—the very pursuit that has historically led to groundbreaking discoveries.

Emerging Challenges and Recommendations

• To ensure the successful integration of corporatization while maintaining scientific excellence, several key challenges need addressing:
• Under-investment: Increasing funding for R&D is essential to sustain progress and innovation.
• Education System: Promoting a culture of curiosity and critical thinking within India’s education system is crucial.
• Collaboration: Encouraging interdisciplinary partnerships between academia, industry, and government can drive innovation.

• Infrastructure Gaps: Strengthening research infrastructure, including labs and facilities, is vital for supporting high-quality research.
• Human Capital: Developing and retaining skilled researchers and scientists should be a priority.
• Policy Alignment: Ensuring that policies align with scientific goals and foster innovation is essential.
• Public Awareness: Effectively communicating scientific advancements to the public and policymakers can enhance support for research.

Research Policy in India

• Shift Towards Corporatisation

The Indian government is steering research institutions towards generating revenue from external sources rather than relying solely on public funding. This shift aligns with the Dehradun Declaration of 2015, which advocated for marketing patents to self-finance research. The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), established under the ANRF Act of 2023, epitomizes this trend by focusing on market-driven research and prototype development, as emphasized in the 2024 Budget speech.

• Focus on Market-Driven Research

The ANRF aims to synchronize research outcomes with market demands. By allocating significant funding from private sources (approximately 72%), the ANRF seeks to bridge the gap between scientific research and commercial applications. This approach ensures that research not only advances scientific knowledge but also has immediate market potential.

• Integration of Industry and Academia

The ANRF fosters collaborations between research institutions and the private sector. With substantial funding expected from non-governmental sources, the ANRF’s governance structure—comprising industry representatives and experts—ensures that funding decisions align with market needs and technological advancements.

Challenges Despite ANRF’s Objectives

1. Potential Undermining of Curiosity-Driven Research: The focus on commercial applications may undermine fundamental scientific exploration. The private sector typically avoids funding basic research due to its lack of immediate commercial value, which can lead to a decline in foundational research.
2. Public Funding Concerns: The reliance on private sector funding raises questions about the sustainability of public investment in research. India’s public funding for science research stands at 0.6% to 0.7% of GDP, significantly lower compared to countries like South Korea (around 4.8% of GDP).

Way Forward

1. Strengthening Public Funding for Basic Research: To maintain a balanced research ecosystem, the government should increase public investment in fundamental scientific research.
2. Enhancing Industry-Academia Collaboration: The government should foster stronger partnerships between research institutions and the private sector while ensuring a focus on both applied and basic research. This approach will help leverage private sector expertise while maintaining the integrity and depth of scientific inquiry.

While the corporatisation of research in India reflects a progressive approach to aligning scientific advancements with market needs, it is crucial to ensure that curiosity-driven research remains supported to drive groundbreaking discoveries. Balancing commercial interests with foundational research will be key to India’s continued success in the global scientific landscape.