Syllabus
GS Paper 3 – Developments in Science and Technology, Applications of scientific developments in everyday life
Context
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation aims to make India a knowledge-driven economy
Source
The Indian Express| Editorial dated 11th September 2024
Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
The operationalization of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) in 2024, after five years of planning, represents a major leap in enhancing India’s research capabilities. It aims to democratize access to research infrastructure, especially in underfunded state universities, and create an ecosystem that encourages innovation, industry collaboration, and efficient coordination of research efforts.
Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
ANRF is established under the ANRF Act, 2023, with the mandate to fund, promote, and coordinate research activities across India’s higher education institutions.
Its creation responds to the long-standing research infrastructure gaps in Indian universities, particularly state-run institutions, which host 95% of the student population but often lack the resources for research.
Significance of ANRF
- Addressing Infrastructure Gaps in Higher Education:
- ANRF’s primary goal is to fill the infrastructure void in both state and central universities.
- Unlike prestigious IITs and IIMs, which cater to less than 1% of the student body, state institutions often lack access to quality research facilities.
- By targeting these underfunded institutions, ANRF seeks to democratize research and bring about inclusive academic development across the country.
- Funding Structure and Private Sector Involvement:
- The total funding for ANRF is Rs 50,000 crore over five years, with Rs 14,000 crore from the government and the remaining funds sourced from industry, philanthropists, and non-governmental entities.
- This mirrors successful international models where private sector R&D funding plays a crucial role in driving innovation, ensuring that research aligns with market needs and provides financial sustainability.
- Alignment with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020:
- ANRF’s mission complements the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes transforming India into a knowledge-based economy.
- It bridges the gap between teaching and research, ensuring that universities become centres of both academic learning and innovation.
- Promoting Industry-Academia Collaboration:
- One of ANRF’s core objectives is to foster industry-academia collaboration, following the US model where industries often invest in academic research after a proof-of-concept is established.
- Technology transfer offices in universities, as seen in the US, help convert research ideas into commercially viable solutions.
- ANRF aims to replicate this by building frameworks for industries to collaborate with Indian universities, ensuring mutual benefit.
- Simplifying Research Funding and Reducing Bureaucracy:
- A key aspect of ANRF’s operational structure is to streamline the disbursal of research funds, eliminating the bureaucratic delays that have historically stifled innovation.
- By reducing General Financial Rules (GFR) constraints and cumbersome paperwork, ANRF ensures that researchers receive timely funding and have more autonomy in pursuing their projects.
- Coordinating R&D Efforts Across Sectors:
- ANRF will act as a coordinating body, overseeing R&D efforts across various sectors and ministries such as defence, agriculture, and health, to avoid duplication of efforts and ensure optimal use of resources.
- This streamlined approach will enhance collaboration and ensure that India’s R&D efforts are more cohesive and impactful.
- Encouraging Research at Lower Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs):
- ANRF focuses on supporting research at lower Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), where academic institutions play a critical role. These early-stage research projects often involve higher risks and longer timelines, ideal for students and young researchers.
- Complementing this, the government’s Rs 1 lakh-crore corpus for higher TRL research through Focused Research Organisations (FROs) and deep-tech startups ensures that research advances from basic innovation to market-ready technology.
- Leveraging Philanthropy for Social Good:
- Besides industry participation, ANRF encourages philanthropic contributions to fund research in areas of social and public good, such as healthcare, agriculture, and environment.
- This dual focus—market-driven innovation and philanthropy-backed social research—ensures that India’s R&D efforts address both commercial and societal needs.
- Enhancing India’s Global Competitiveness:
- With ANRF’s support, India can significantly enhance its global competitiveness in innovation and technology. By nurturing homegrown talent and research capabilities, India can better participate in global markets, akin to countries like Germany, South Korea, and Israel.
- This also positions India as a leader in knowledge exchange and research partnerships, especially among developing nations.
- Building a Sustainable R&D Ecosystem:
- ANRF is designed to create a sustainable research ecosystem, ensuring that academic institutions become innovation hubs and industries benefit from commercial-ready technologies.
- This ecosystem will foster continuous feedback loops between academia, industry, and government, driving long-term innovation and development.
- Bringing Global Best Practices to India:
- Drawing inspiration from global research models like the US National Science Foundation (NSF), ANRF aspires to implement best practices in funding mechanisms, research coordination, and industry-academia collaboration.
- These practices will be adapted to fit the unique context of India’s higher education system, ensuring both innovation and inclusivity.
Issues with Governance of ANRF
- Composition of Governing Bodies:
- The 15-member board and 16-member council are largely dominated by senior government officials and members from established research institutions.
- This creates an imbalance and risks overlooking the needs of the broader academic community.
- Lack of Diverse Representation:
- No representation from Central or State universities or colleges, despite these institutions hosting over 95% of India’s student population.
- Inadequate industry representation, with only one member from the private sector (an Indian-American businessman from Silicon Valley).
- Gender diversity is also limited, with only one-woman representative (the Secretary of DSIR).
Way Forward
- Diverse Representation:
- ANRF’s board and council should include representatives from Central and State universities who understand their unique challenges.
- Add more Indian industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and academics to create a more balanced and inclusive representation.
- Single Committee for Strategy:
- A single committee should be formed to handle both strategy formulation and implementation for smoother decision-making processes.
- Funding and Research Development:
- ANRF aims to generate over 70% of its funding from non-government and industry sources.
- India’s R&D budget should be increased to 4% of GDP to enhance research output and ensure global competitiveness.
- Reforms in Operational Requirements for ANRF:
- Adequate staffing and the implementation of a grant management system are crucial for smooth functioning.
- Establish an internal peer-review system with incentives to ensure quality control in research grants.
- Ensure timely disbursal of research grants and fellowships within six months to avoid delays.
- Reduce bureaucratic hurdles in funding processes and allow more flexibility in spending, including purchases outside the Government e-marketplace (GeM).
- Future CEO:
- The future CEO of ANRF should have expertise in both industry and academia to secure funding and effectively manage the foundation.
- The CEO must have a deep understanding of the global innovation ecosystem to ensure that ANRF remains competitive internationally.
Conclusion
The establishment of ANRF is a pivotal move towards creating a comprehensive and inclusive research ecosystem in India. By addressing infrastructure gaps, streamlining research coordination, and fostering industry-academia collaboration, ANRF has the potential to position India as a global research powerhouse. If executed effectively, ANRF can not only bolster India’s knowledge-driven economy but also ensure sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive research capabilities for future generations.
Related PYQ
Scientific research in Indian universities is declining, because a career in science is not as attractive as our business operations, engineering or administration, and the universities are becoming consumer-oriented. Critically comment. [ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2014]
Practice Question
Discuss the objectives and governance issues of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). How can these issues be addressed to enhance its effectiveness in promoting research and development in India? [250 words]
Guidelines to Answer
- Introduction:
- Briefly introduce ANRF: Outline its establishment, purpose, and significance in enhancing research infrastructure in India.
- Body:
- Explain how ANRF aims to boost research capabilities, particularly in state universities with limited infrastructure.
- Discuss the current structure, emphasizing the dominance of government officials and lack of representation from state universities and the private sector.
- Recommend improvements in grant management, reduction of bureaucratic hurdles, and flexible spending policies.
- Conclusion:
- Summarize by emphasizing the importance of addressing governance issues and implementing reforms to enhance ANRF’s effectiveness in promoting research and development.