The STI Policy seeks to:
(i) Enhance India`s global share of scientific publications from the present 3.5% to 7.0%;
(ii) Establish world class infrastructure for Research and Development (R&D) in some select areas;
(iii) Make careers in science, research and innovation attractive enough for talented and bright minds;
(iv) Create an environment for enhanced private sector participation in R&D, technology and innovation;
(v) Seed S&T based high risk Innovation;
(vi) Participate in international R&D projects that are high end science. The Policy seeks to establish a strong and viable Science, Research and Innovation System for High Technology-led path for India.
India has made significant growth in the field of science and technology during the last five years. There has been a continuous increase in investment in R&D in the country. The Gross expenditure on R&D in the country has doubled from Rs.24,117 crores in 2004-05 to Rs. 53,041 crores in 2009-10.
India ranks 9th globally in terms of scientific publications output as per the latest UNESCO Science Report-2010. Its global share in scientific publications increased significantly from 2.8% in the year 2005 to 3.5% in the year 2010.
Further, a large number of new institutions such as Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs), Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Central universities, etc. have been established providing new opportunities for science education and research in the country.
Creation of centres of excellence and facilities in emerging and frontline areas in academic and national institutes, induction of new and attractive fellowships such as Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) and establishment of National Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) have also given a boost to R&D.
Union Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Shri S.Jaipal Reddy gave this information in reply to a written question in the Lok Sabha today.
