technology agencies— Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (including the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) and the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The advisory committees draw services of the eminent scientists on the matter related to the funding of scientific research, while crucial areas like climate change, GM crops, desirability and safety of nuclear power are kept untouched by the advisory committee. This is in contrary to the US National Academy where independent and expert advice systems are accessible by the scientific community.
In addition to the Planning Commission, Indian Academy of Science (IASc), Bengaluru, Indian National Science Academy (INSA), New Delhi and the National Academy of Sciences (NASI), Allahabad, Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE), National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) and National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) act as advisory bodies for matters related to scientific research.
5.10.1 Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (2013)
The Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (2013) of the Government of India aims to increase gross expenditure in R&D from less than 1 per cent to 2 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the next five years (2013-2018) through PPP mode. This cannot be realised unless private sector raises its R&D investment to at least match the public sector R&D investment from the current ratio of 1:3 (Krishna 2013). In order to do so, the government should formulate and implement a series of S&T laws to govern and regulate incentives and research innovation schemes involving the private sector under PPP mode. National Science, Technology and Innovation Foundation will be established as Public-Private partnership investment in crucial areas of research thus attracting private investments in R&D.
The Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP 2013) aims to increase the number of full-time R&D personnel by two-third within five years. The policy calls for strengthening the government, academia and industry partnerships and facilitating the mobility of experts from academia to industry and vice-versa. The mobility of experts from academia to industry is not frequent and moreover experts, researchers from academia should be mobilized to industry to get expertise in industry know-how and this will accelerate the mobility of human skills and expertise from academia to industry and vice-versa.
The STIP (2013) emphasizes on the sharing of risk by the government which will eventually increase private sector investment in R&D and technology development. The CSOs will be given major importance in the diffusion of rural technologies. This calls for the participation of multiple actors in innovation process by connecting geographical boundaries. The involvement of CSOs in diffusion of technologies or participation of private sectors in accessing public R&D can be hindered by the bureaucratic processes.
University research is bound to suffer as universities are allocated five per cent of gross expenditure on research and development (Krishna 2013). Scientists interviewed for the present study suggests that there is a decline of funding to carry out R&D activities and this is particularly low for basic research in universities. The STIP (2013) aims to target number of issue but a gap exists between paper work and its implementation.
Innovation is essential for the development of any sector, be it agriculture, pharmaceuticals or Information Technology. According to a scientist from University of Delhi:
When we are inventing a new technology, it may not result in innovation. We should not confuse innovation with invention. Innovation can be a small thing or for better use. For example, a pen can be used in a different manner.
It can be used for scratch, press or for impression and somebody can use it for writing. It is actually an innovative use of thing. Further, innovation
when market value or industrial utility is attached to a product. So, innovation is important for our policy development. It is same as in any kind of collaboration be it agriculture, pharmaceutical, or anything… I have visited Agricultural University in Kanpur where farmers were taken into consideration. Farmers have better practices for improving the crop variety and so it is important to encourage farmers while dealing with innovating agricultural technologies.
There is a need to reframe science and agricultural policies in the wake of changes in the realms of economy and polity, especially in the product patent regime.
Policymakers should be aware of the changing structure of Indian agriculture while framing science and agricultural policies. According to a scientist from Anna University, Chennai:
When ploughing was undertaken with cattle, of course your policy should be based on the small size of the farm. They cannot work in a big farming setup.
For example, when harvest machines came, you have to think in terms of bigger farms that would enable you to handle the machines. With the advancement of technology now, one can handle 1000 hectares of land.
Technology is great as long as we are using it properly.
Adoption of any new technology in agriculture should be socially and culturally embedded. Technological change is an ongoing process. It is important to avoid risks associated with any new technology. The government creates opportunities for startups, technology incubation centres and biotech parks. This has led to the emergence of collaborative networking between government, academia and private R&D institutions.
Enhancement of partnership with public and private industry can be seen as a source of innovation (Sorensens and Torfing 2012). Technological innovations will definitely influence science and technology policies in India. Several technologies with respect to planting method, planting time, planting density, planting geometry, fertilizer requirement, weed and pest control have been developed.
The present study suggests that there are losses of crops due to pest danger and environmental factors. It is by the use of GM technology that we can prevent losses. We
this technology. So, technological research and development are very important for innovation and change. According to a scientist of Monsanto India Limited,
To establish a crop in the market it takes a lot of time and by the time a new product can be developed, market is flooded with several other technologies.
So there should be flexible mechanisms for the commercialization of a product or crop. Government policies and decisions regarding a particular crop should not be delayed.
The government should not unnecessarily delay the decision on particular technology. These problems can be addressed timely only when there is increased participation of all actors including the industry as well as CSOs in commercializing technology with university and research laboratories.
Private sectors invest mostly in profitable areas. This attitude of private sector should be changed so that they can participate in uncertain and risky areas in a socially inclusive manner. For example, the biotechnology areas and several other innovative areas are complex and risky. In India mostly, public sector invests in these areas even if results are uncertain.
In order to promote innovative environment in the country, private sectors and startups should include the concerns of the university and civil society organizations. In basic research, experiments do not always give successful results but even scientists conduct their laboratory tests. Similar practice should be developed in private sector.
Private sector is more interested in the application of findings and thus collaborate less with the basic research scientists. This is one of the drawbacks which limit the collaboration of basic research scientists with the industry.
Diffusion process depends or requires the development of the capability to acquire, adapt, improve and produce technology consistent with the local conditions. The time path involved in the diffusion process depends upon the nature of new technology and its novelty, complexity and profitability. This also reflects the symbiotic relationship
between technological change and its institutional context and emphasizes the need for considering both together (Rosenberg 1983). Linking of public sector science to commercial world is essential for the diffusion of technology and its implications.
Previously, non-R&D innovations were confined to the industry for technology transfer, incubation activities, financing, fieldwork, etc. However, these are not just confined to industry but also the government, academia sphere and non-profit institutions. The triple helix model of innovation is yet to develop in agricultural biotechnology in India. But government Policy (PPP model) is supportive of government, academia and industry networking in agricultural biotechnology in India.