The meeting, held at the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser in New Delhi, is part of the Indian government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen science and technology (S&T) governance. With Prof. Sood at the helm, participants discussed mechanisms for efficient execution of flagship projects under the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) and other key S&T frameworks.
“Operationalising science policy requires multi-stakeholder collaboration and an agile, evidence-backed approach,” Prof. Sood told attendees. “Today’s meeting is about translating our ambitious vision into tangible outcomes that benefit India’s scientists, industry, and the general public.”
The agenda included updates on initiatives such as the National Research Foundation (NRF), Mission COVID Suraksha, National Quantum Mission, and other emerging technology platforms. Departmental representatives provided progress reports and flagged operational challenges ranging from funding cycles to inter-agency coordination.
Key Priorities Highlighted
Accelerating Mission Delivery
With India aiming to be a global leader in S&T by 2030, the importance of timely execution was underscored by several participants. Dr. Alka Sharma, Senior Adviser in the Office of the PSA, emphasized the value of “clear deliverables, transparent timelines, and continuous feedback loops.”
Notably, the National Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research (NMAHIR) was cited as an exemplar for rapid prototyping and scale-up. “We must ensure these models are replicated across missions, especially in strategic sectors such as space, health, and agriculture,” Dr. Sharma said.
Strengthening Interagency Synergy
A recurring point was the need to streamline coordination between central ministries, scientific research bodies, and private sector partners. Participants discussed digital platforms for data sharing, regular inter-ministerial reviews, and dedicated liaison officers for complex programs.
“Bridging silos and ensuring open communication is essential to operational success,” Prof. Sood affirmed, calling for more cross-disciplinary task forces and public-private partnerships.
Stakeholder Voices and Next Steps
The meeting included voices from the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and industry delegates. Industry representatives welcomed transparency in the funding pipeline and urged the government to provide clarity on incentive structures and regulatory frameworks.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, CEO of a leading tech startup, commented, “We appreciate the government’s consultative approach. Streamlined processes mean faster time-to-market for indigenous innovations.”
The immediate next steps following the meeting include:
Release of updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for mission operations
Designating nodal officers for inter-ministry synergy
Bi-monthly review mechanisms to monitor bottlenecks and success stories
Background: India’s Science and Technology Ambitions
The operationalisation efforts spearheaded by Prof. Sood align with the government’s vision to increase Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) as a percentage of GDP from below 1% to at least 2% within the next decade, as stated in the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (NSTIP) 2020 draft. India’s recent ascent in the Global Innovation Index (from rank 48 in 2020 to 40 in 2023) highlights the urgency of effective implementation.
As global competition for technological dominance intensifies, India’s success will hinge on translating policy blueprints into on-the-ground impact. Past challenges, such as delays in research project approvals and fragmented communication between stakeholders, remain areas of focus for corrective action.
