NIAS Lectures on Science and Technology 

Indian Science Philosophy, Structure and Policies

23 June 2020

Dr R K Sharma 

With the changing dynamics of science in the world, Global Politics hosted its fourth ‘NIAS online lecture series’, on the Indian Science Philosophy, Structure, and the Policy Mechanism. 

Raj Kumar Sharma took this initiative to intrigue young minds to explore the dynamics of Science, its structure, policies initiated by the government, and the different programs undertaken by the Department of Science and Technology within the country and Internationally. He started the discussion by explaining the traditional branches of Science and its principles in ancient times, further linking it with changing the focus of Modern sciences on Innovation and technological development in improving the standard of living and also building relationships with international actors by keeping social cause as a central theme.

In India, Science R&D has been structured under the Central government S&T divisions, State government S&T departments, Universities/ Independent R&D among Institute and Autonomous Organisation, NGO’s and in-house R&D in the Public and Private sectors.

Department of Science and Technology aims, in strengthening national capacity and capability in science innovation and, intend to promote scientific interest with its nine programs. The programs,  Scientific and Engineering Research, Technology Development, Technology Mission of Solar, Water, Nano, Super Computing and Climate Change, S&T for Socio-economic Development, Women Scientist Scheme, Autonomous Institutions, Professional bodies, Statutory bodies and S&T based survey & services, aim in fostering the social narrative of S&T in the country.

This would help in underpinning R&D as part of the knowledge economy while mitigating the gaps for keeping-up with geopolitical interests. Use of soft power through cooperation in science as one of the tools for public diplomacy across the globe to build strong regional, bilateral, and multilateral level relations. Additionally, international cooperation in Science and Technology would create, connect, and enable participation in accessing advanced facilities.

The government of India has adopted four main models in technology-based alliances such as Technology Synergy (connected India with nine countries and 14 reciprocal cooperation’s), Technology Diplomacy (connected with nine countries and one cooperation and two initiatives), Technology Development (connected with eight countries) and Technology Acquisition (connected with five countries). Also, the science promotion center, innovation platforms, joint research fund, institution of international prizes and capacity and capability building are other mechanisms to build relations through Science and Technology with different countries

RK Sharma gave an overall informative lecture on the mechanisms of S&T departments in India, also connecting it with History, Administration, and the role of Multi-disciplinary approach in building relations with countries across the globe.