Urgent Overhaul: The Stark Shortcomings of India’s National Research Foundation

The Stark Shortcomings of India’s National Research Foundation

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), established to steer scientific research in India, has drawn significant attention for its apparent deficiencies. Despite its lofty goals, the absence of representation from Indian industry and state universities in its governing and executive boards highlights critical gaps that could impede its effectiveness.

Absence of Industry Representation

The ANRF Act, passed in August 2023, envisioned robust collaboration between the government and private sectors to galvanize research, with a significant portion of funding expected from non-governmental sources, including industry and philanthropists. However, a closer inspection of the members list, released by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), reveals a glaring lack of industry representation. This is concerning, given that Science Minister Jitendra Singh had underscored the importance of private sector involvement during discussions on the Bill in Parliament.

The Act explicitly empowers the President of the Governing Board, currently the Prime Minister, to appoint up to five members from business organizations or industry. Yet, the 15-member Governing Board includes only one industrialist, Romesh Wadhwani, an American billionaire of Indian origin. This lack of industry representation raises questions about the ANRF’s ability to secure the necessary funding and support from private entities.

Limited University Involvement

Another significant shortcoming is the minimal representation of state universities. The ANRF was intended to benefit these institutions significantly, yet they remain largely excluded from its governance structure. Only two universities are represented by the Directors of the Indian Institute of Science and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. This limited involvement of academic institutions could undermine the foundation’s goal of promoting comprehensive and inclusive scientific research across India.

Historical Context and Comparison

The ANRF replaces the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), established in 2008 by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. The SERB aimed to provide strategic direction for technological research but similarly lacked robust representation from state universities and industries. Although the ANRF proposes a more expansive definition of research, encompassing fields such as liberal arts and social sciences, the current structure mirrors many of the SERB’s limitations.

The Need for a Dynamic and Inclusive Board

A senior scientist involved in the ANRF’s formation noted that the foundation was originally intended to have minimal representation from various Ministries and a more dynamic board composition. Political support for a significant overhaul of the SERB was evident, but resistance from the scientific establishment, particularly from the Ministries, led to a more conservative approach. The current structure, while flexible, must prove its efficacy in spending allocated funds and securing external funding to be deemed successful.

Funding Challenges and Private Sector Contribution

India’s research and development (R&D) expenditure remains a point of concern. In 2019-20, only 36% of the country’s research expenditure came from the private sector. This contrasts sharply with countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and the U.S., where private sector contributions hover around 70%. India’s R&D expenditure, approximately 0.6% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), lags behind the global average of 1.8%, highlighting the critical need for increased private sector involvement.

The majority of India’s research funds are allocated to government organizations, such as the Defence Research and Development Organisation, the Department of Space, the Department of Atomic Energy, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Meanwhile, significant scientific bodies like the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, and the Indian Council of Medical Research receive a comparatively smaller share. This skewed distribution underscores the necessity for a more balanced and inclusive approach to research funding.

Moving Forward: Recommendations for Improvement

To realize its vision, the ANRF must address its structural deficiencies. Key recommendations include:

1. Enhanced Industry Participation: Increasing the number of industry representatives on the board to ensure robust collaboration and funding.
2. Increased Academic Involvement: Including more state universities to diversify and strengthen the research ecosystem.
3. Transparent and Efficient Funding Allocation: Ensuring that funds are distributed equitably and effectively to foster groundbreaking research across various scientific domains.
4. Promoting Private Sector Investment: Implementing policies that incentivize private sector investment in R&D to boost overall expenditure and innovation.

Conclusion: A Call for Urgent Reform

The National Research Foundation in India stands at a crossroads. To achieve its ambitious goals, it must address the critical gaps in its governance structure. By fostering greater industry participation, enhancing academic involvement, and ensuring transparent funding practices, the ANRF can truly become a catalyst for scientific and technological advancement in India. The time for urgent reform is now, lest the foundation’s potential remain unrealized.

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Soumya Smruti Sahoo

Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.