ANRF Plan Got Off on Wrong Foot

  • 0
  • 3097
Font size:
Print

ANRF Plan Got Off on Wrong Foot

Context: Composition of governing board and executive council of Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) suggests a trajectory towards resembling a typical governmental department.

 

Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)

  • Establishment: It was established under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) 2023 Act.
  • Aim: T0 seed, grow, and promote research and development (R&D)
    • Foster a culture of research and innovation across India’s universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories.
  • Function: Serve as apex body providing high-level strategic direction for scientific research, in line with recommendations of National Education Policy (NEP).
  • Integration with SERB: The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), established in 2008 was subsumed into ANRF.

 

Lack of Industry Representation

  • ANRF’s governing board and executive council lack members from central and state universities/colleges it aims to support.
  • The board and council are predominantly composed of government officials and academics, with minimal industry representation.
  • Despite aiming for 70% funding from non-government and industry sources, its current composition doesn’t align with this objective.
  • Board and council require members with hands-on knowledge of university systems to tackle existing bottlenecks, not just advisory roles.

 

R&D Underfunding

  • India significantly underfunds research and development, with the need to increase the R&D budget to 4% of GDP.
  • To boost research and make Indian innovation globally competitive, ANRF must:
    • Be adequately staffed and implement robust grant management system
    • Have an internal peer-review system with incentives for reviewers
    • Ensure timely disbursal of research grants and fellowships
    • Be Free from bureaucratic hurdles at all levels
    • Provide flexible spending without stringent government financial rules

 

Needed Overhaul

  • Diverse Representation: ANRF needs more natural and social scientists, especially women and young entrepreneurs.
  • Future CEO Criteria: Essential for the CEO to blend industry and academia experience, adept at fundraising and global innovation.
  • Overhaul: ANRF must avoid typical government department pitfalls, focusing on bridging research and teaching in Indian universities effectively.
Share:
Print
Apply What You've Learned.
Previous Post Right to Repair
Next Post National Security Advisor
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x