Dehradun, June 4 In a bold move to reshape the future of scientific research in India, NITI Aayog is spearheading a sweeping reform agenda to create more agile, mission-oriented, and globally competitive research and development (R&D) institutions. The Second National Consultative Meeting on R&D Reforms, held at the CSIR–Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP) in Dehradun, marks a significant milestone in India’s ambition to evolve into a global innovation powerhouse.
Bringing together over 200 thought leaders, policy experts, scientists, and academics, the two-day conclave focused on reimagining India’s publicly funded research ecosystem. Building upon the insights gathered from the inaugural session in Lucknow, this gathering highlighted the need for transformative policies that prioritize autonomy, performance, and collaboration.
Science beyond silos: a call for institutional transformation
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Member of NITI Aayog and one of India’s most respected scientific visionaries, stressed the urgency of liberating Indian science from bureaucratic inertia. “Science and technology are the levers of India’s future competitiveness,” he said, adding, “but unless we address institutional inertia and unlock the potential of our scientific human capital, we risk stagnation at a time when agility and innovation are imperative.”
Dr. Saraswat outlined a strategy that includes performance-based funding, real-time research tracking, and decentralized governance models. These reforms aim to align R&D outcomes with national strategic priorities while nurturing a culture of accountability and innovation.
Reimagining research hubs: spotlight on India’s heartlands
Adding depth to the conversation, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary, DSIR, underlined the critical need to empower institutions in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. “India’s innovation system must reflect its demographic and geographic diversity,” she said. “Strengthening smaller institutes will create a pipeline of grassroots innovation and inclusive technological advancement.”
Dr. Kalaiselvi also emphasized integrating digital technologies, cross-institutional collaboration, and artificial intelligence to modernize R&D workflows. “These tools can bridge the gap between isolated research pockets and national goals,” she added.
A human lens on science: empowering researchers
In a deeply resonant address, Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, President of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), urged policymakers to consider the human dimension of science. He advocated for trust-based research environments, flexible career pathways, and reduced micromanagement.
“An enabling environment includes not just funding and labs, but freedom freedom to fail, to explore, to take risks,” he said. “We must shift from controlling researchers to empowering them.”
Prof. Sharma proposed introducing dual-career tracks for scientists, improving mentorship systems, and fostering international partnerships to expose Indian researchers to global best practices.
Key themes driving reform
Over the course of two days, participants delved into four major reform pillars:
•Institutional Governance: Reimagining how R&D institutions are run, with a focus on autonomy, transparency, and accountability.
•Researcher Mobility: Enabling smoother movement between institutions nationally and globally to enrich talent and foster collaboration.
•Translational Research: Bridging the gap between lab-based research and real-world application, making science more impactful and commercially viable.
•Public–Private Synergy: Strengthening collaboration between government, academia, and industry to develop co-created solutions.
Path to Vision 2047: building the India of tomorrow
Prof. Vivek Kumar Singh, Senior Adviser at NITI Aayog, opened the session by framing it within the broader context of India’s Vision 2047 — a long-term strategic plan to transform India into a developed nation. Discussions during the event are expected to feed into a formal R&D white paper to be presented to the central government later this year.
The gathering in Dehradun signals more than just policy introspection — it marks a paradigm shift in India’s approach to science and innovation. By engaging regional scientific hubs and adopting a bottom-up consultation model, NITI Aayog is paving the way for a resilient, responsive, and inclusive research landscape.
As the meeting concludes, the message is clear: India is poised to rewrite its scientific story. From metropolitan laboratories to small-town institutes, a new era of mission-driven, human-focused, and digitally empowered research is taking shape. With support from the highest levels of policy and science, India’s scientific ecosystem is preparing to deliver breakthroughs not just for national development, but for the global good.