Technology Policies in India

India has long realized that the creation and adoption of new scientific technology can make up for deficiencies in natural resources and reduce the demands on capital. Industrialization demands skilled, educated and trained manpower. To that end, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) was established in 1942, which led to the development of national scientific and industrial laboratories for research. The Department of Science and Technology, (DST) was established in May 1971 to coordinate the science and technology development policy in India, including using technology to help the poor and disadvantaged in society. To achieve its mandate, DST established four key policy programs: scientific and engineering research, technology development, socioeconomic development and international cooperation.

Research

• The Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC) was established in 1974 to promote research and development programs in emerging areas of science and engineering. SERC consists of eminent scientists and researchers from universities and industries across India. Other DST programs include fellowships, international travel assistance grants and programs aimed at encouraging more women participation in technology.

Technology

• Initiatives in this area include funding for research in pharmaceuticals, climate change, molecular electronics and natural resources, as well as programs to promote the commercialization of research.

Socioeconomics

• The Science For Equity Empowerment and Development (SEED) program aims to help the poor and disadvantaged, especially in rural areas, by leveraging technology. The objective is to provide a pathway from poverty for millions of India's poor.

Cooperation

• Working closely with Indian embassies abroad and international organizations such as the United Nations, DST promotes exchange visits between Indian and foreign institutions, joint research and development programs, exploratory scientific delegations, foreign study fellowships and the establishment of joint centers of excellence. India has bilateral science and technology cooperation agreements with G7 nations such as the United States, Canada and France, as well as with developing nations such as Tanzania and Zambia.

Future

• India is committed to increasing expenditures for research and development to 2 percent of gross domestic product from the current level of about 1 percent (as of 2010). India plans to be among the leading nations in terms of human resource talent and technological innovations in the decades to come.