Role of Science and Technology Councils in Strengthening STI Ecosystem for Sustainable Development

Science, technology, and innovation (STI) are the powerful tools for socio-economic progress of any country. To realize the dream of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and tread on the path of sustainable development, India has been placing great stress on revamping the entire science, technology, and innovation ecosystem; promoting new technologies, ideas, and products; and also encouraging traditional knowledge systems, indigenous skills, and grassroots innovations. These fields are opening new avenues and creating greater opportunities and challenges. The Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, is catalyzing several of these initiatives through State Science and Technology (S&T) Councils and strengthening the STI ecosystem at state and national levels. During the last several years, many councils have attempted to address state-specific problems through research, technology transfer, creating scientific awareness, and building a culture of innovation through new programs and innovative schemes. In collaboration with the Central Government, Councils are conducting major activities of scientific outreach, promotion of scientific research, strengthening of the IPR ecosystem, training, and capacity building in identified sectors, and scientific consultations. At the state level, each council has been able to identify its core strengths and weaknesses to address the needs of people in collaboration with knowledge institutions and state government departments. Over a period, these efforts have transformed the knowledge landscape. Recognizing their impact in creating and disseminating scientific knowledge, several state governments are increasingly involving S&T Councils in formulating and implementing S&T-based policies for meeting sustainable development goals.