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Corporatisation of Science Research
Context:
- During the inaugural address of the 107th Science Congress in Bengaluru in January 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined the government’s approach to scientific research in India.
- By articulating it as a guiding principle, he indicated the development of a new policy on knowledge production under his leadership.
About Corporatisation of Science Research:
- It refers to the trend of transforming public scientific research institutions into entities that operate with a business-like approach, focusing on revenue generation and market-driven outcomes.
- Key Aspects of Corporatisation
- Business Model Orientation: Research institutions like CSIR are urged to adopt self-financing models. They’re encouraged to generate revenue through:
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- Technology commercialization
- Partnerships with private industries
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- Research is increasingly market-driven, emphasising:
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- Projects with commercial potential
- Quick-return initiatives
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Advantage of Corporatisation of Science Research:
- Financial Benefits:
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- Increased funding from private sector investment
- Financial sustainability with reduced reliance on government funding
- Better resource allocation and optimization.
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- Research Efficiency and Relevance:
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- Streamlined processes through business-like operations
- Closer alignment with industry needs and market demands
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- Innovation and Competitiveness:
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- Profit-driven incentives for rapid technological advancements
- Enhanced global competitiveness in research and development
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Disadvantage of Corporatisation of Science Research:
- Loss of Public Interest Focus: The corporatisation trend may lead to a focus on research that is profitable rather than innovative or socially beneficial.
- Critics argue that this could compromise the quality and integrity of scientific research, as institutions may prioritise projects that align with corporate interests over those that serve the public good.
- Ethical Concerns: Corporate influence in research raises questions about objectivity and potential bias in results favouring sponsors. India’s approach to corporatisation of Science Research:
- Since 2015 the current government Guided by ‘Dehradun Declaration’ (by CSIR lab directors), has pushed research institutions to:
- Generate revenue by commercialising expertise
- Reinvest profits into national technology missions
- Self-finance research through patent marketing.
- Operationalise the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) as announced in Budget 2024
- Established in 2023 under the ANRF Act of 2023, to fund research and improve R&D-academia-industry linkages.
- Focus on basic research and prototype development, emphasising marketability.
- Funding structure: ₹50,000 crore over 5 years, 72% expected from the private sector.
Way Forward:
- Balancing Public and Private Funding: While encouraging private sector funding is important, the government of India must also increase its allocation for basic science and non-profit research.
- Additionally, it is crucial to foster an environment of free inquiry and ensure the financial and administrative autonomy of research institutions.
- NITI Aayog’s recent report, “Improving the Culture of Research and Development (R&D) in State Universities and Institutes,” recognizes ongoing government initiatives like Startup India, FIST, and PURSE, which are designed to enhance research capabilities in state universities and institutes.
International Precedents:
- In many advanced economies, like Germany and Japan, contributions from the private sector often surpass those from public sources.
- In the United States, private-sector funding has significantly outpaced government support over the past decade,
- Private funding accounts for 67% of total medical and health research and development (R&D) expenditures, which indicates a strong reliance on private funding within this sector.
- In both Australia and the UK, there has been a notable trend towards the corporatisation of research in higher education.
