Policy Process

It would be prudent to take up a few sectors initially, get the policy instruments right, and put in the critical mass of resources to achieve a self-sustaining inflexion point

The draft Science and Technology Policy 2020 proposes to establish a national STI Financing Authority and an STI Development Bank that can cater to the long term investments in select strategic areas. According to the draft, to undertake efficient governing mechanisms for the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) funding landscape, a national STI Financing Authority will be created. The centralised authority will help strengthen financial outlay. A corpus fund will also be established for investing in various long and medium-term projects, commercial ventures, start-ups, technology diffusion and licensing to address identified priority areas in the STI ecosystem, the policy states. Besides, central ministries and associated departments lacking dedicated R&D units will establish concerned divisions to augment the overall R&D budget and scope of allocation. "An STI Development Bank will be created to direct long term investments in select strategic areas," the draft ...

At least 30 per cent representation of women in all decision making bodies and inclusion of the LGBT community into conversations related to gender equity are the major focus points of the draft Science, Technology Innovation Policy 2020. Stressing that equity and inclusion will be a foundational element of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) ecosystem, the policy proposes that E&I should be added as a sub-text to all STI policies and processes (existing and upcoming), designed to create and nurture a vibrant STI ecosystem, in an inclusive manner. Emphasis under the STIP 2020 has been for women scientists. A specific highlight will remain upon promoting talented women scientists in leadership positions across research and science administration to create inspiration for women aspiring to pursue science careers, the draft policy states. "There will be also enhanced representation of women, at least 30 per cent of the total strength, in all decision making bodies including ...

2G judgment suggests that many bureaucrats have poor application, inadequate interest and are unwilling to be active participants in the policy process. This is arguably also unethical