Prof. A.K. Sood seeks more push for R&D in newer technologies
Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to Govt of India, Prof Ajay Kumar Sood, has called for a greater push for R&D in newer technologies, especially quantum technology, to tap tremendous business values in areas such as quantum communication and quantum computing.
Highlighting the investment opportunities in R&D Prof Sood said- “Tier-2 and 3 areas have a lot of talent apart from tier-1 cities. There are a number of institutes with huge human capacity available and FDI in R&D should not be looked at only in the megacities but go beyond them,”.
While addressing a national seminar on ‘FDI in R&D- Making India R&D Hub’, organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) in collaboration with the Office of the PSA to Govt of India, Prof Sood also underlined the need for sustainability to be at the center of the entire effort of R&D and its productization.
“This calls for an innovative shift in policies. Technology has to catch up to deliver sustainable solutions in clean energy, clean environment, water crisis, etc. All these challenges require huge R&D,” he noted.
Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to Govt of India, Prof Ajay Kumar Sood, has called for a greater push for R&D in newer technologies, especially quantum technology, to tap tremendous business values in areas such as quantum communication and quantum computing.
Mr. Ratan P Watal, Chairman, Central Vista Oversight Committee addressed the valedictory session and stressed the need for a National Innovation Index to help make India a hub for R&D. “There is a huge opportunity which awaits us, especially in the changing geopolitical environment in the world. We need to have a National Innovation Index for the states in India. We should also focus on having a robust Science & Technology Policy,” he said.
Mr. Kaspar Meyer, Head of Science and Technology Section, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in India, noted that his country was keen to expand its collaborations with India in the various areas of science and technology.
Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, Office of the PSA to Govt of India, and Ms. Manmeet K Nanda, Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), expressed hope that all stakeholders will work in unison to take R&D to newer heights in the country.
Mr. Sanjiv Mehta, President, FICCI ,noted that the scale India can provide for new technology could make technology affordable to the entire world. “To become an economic powerhouse, India can no longer compete just on quality and service but must be a world leader in technology-led, commercially successful innovations. The share of R&D in total FDI needs to increase substantially,” he said.
India Science Wire
ISW/SP/08/2022
