Overview
Former Principal Scientific Adviser K. VijayRaghavan argues that India must move from “catch‑up” to leading in science and technology. He outlines four reforms – education, national laboratories, regulatory flexibility and faster approvals – that can turn Indian research into globally impactful technology.
Key Recommendations
- Scale high‑quality education using AI‑driven tools and create hundreds of experimental “foundries” for hands‑on learning.
- Open national laboratories to students, industry and other researchers through green (open), amber (collaborative) and red (strategic) zones.
- Grant trusted institutions flexibility by reducing the burden of General Financial Rules and focus on outcome‑based accountability.
- Streamline regulatory approvals for biotechnology and clinical studies to encourage SMEs.
Important Facts
Over the past five decades, the gap between fundamental research and application has narrowed. The discovery of CRISPR within a few years illustrates this trend.
India’s current research ecosystem is fragmented: many labs are inaccessible, compliance costs are high, and approval processes are unpredictable.
Exam Relevance
Understanding these reforms helps answer GS3 questions on “Science & Technology Policy”, “Innovation ecosystem”, and “Role of government in research”. It also links to GS2 topics such as “Institutional reforms” and GS4 discussions on “Ethics and accountability in scientific research”.
Way Forward
Implement the reforms step‑by‑step. Even a 10 % annual improvement in each sector can make India seven times stronger in 20 years. The government should designate a coordinating body, possibly under the Science Advisory Council, to monitor progress.
By investing in education, opening labs, easing compliance, and speeding approvals, India can board the “next bus” of transformative technology before it leaves.