Partnerships Will Drive India’s R&D Future: Dr Jitendra Singh
Minister calls for stronger industry–academia collaboration and expanded private role in space, nuclear and strategic research.
- Dr Jitendra Singh says collaboration across industry, academia and government is essential for India’s R&D ambitions.
- Signals larger private-sector participation in space, nuclear and strategic science domains.
- Notes rise in patent filings and innovators from Tier-2 cities as markers of India’s expanding research base.
- Releases CII Industry–Academia Partnership Compendium 2025 at global summit.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 5th Dec: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has said that India’s aspirations to become a global research and innovation hub hinge on stronger partnerships between industry, academia and government. Speaking at the Global Summit on Industry–Academia Partnership 2025, he underlined that such collaboration is no longer optional for a nation aiming to lead in high-technology and strategic sectors.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister highlighted a visible shift in India’s R&D approach — from a government-centric model to one increasingly driven by shared participation. He noted that rising patent filings and the growing contribution of young researchers from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities reflect the broadening of India’s innovation base.
Private Sector Set for Larger Role
Dr Singh said recent policy decisions enabling wider private participation in space and nuclear domains indicate a maturing research ecosystem. Traditionally reserved for government agencies, these sectors are now opening to industry-led collaboration, which he described as “central to accelerating innovation-based growth.”
He emphasised that India must benchmark itself against global research systems that leverage strong non-government involvement. In this context, the government’s role, he said, would increasingly evolve into that of a facilitator that enables co-creation among academia, industry and startups.
Strengthening India’s Research Landscape
The Minister cited the National Research Foundation and new funding mechanisms as key steps to stimulate private-sector investment in long-term research. He added that platforms such as InSpace and similar biotech interfaces ensure structured collaboration and help bridge academic research with industrial application.
He also stressed the surge in innovation coming from smaller cities, made possible by digital access and expanding technology ecosystems. The rise in domestic patent filings by young entrepreneurs and researchers, he said, is evidence of India’s deepening scientific capability.
Compendium Released; Innovations on Display
At the summit, Dr Singh released the CII Industry–Academia Partnership Compendium 2025. He also visited an exhibition featuring products and technologies developed by startups, research institutions and academic bodies.
Call for Long-Term Collaboration
Concluding his address, Dr Singh said India’s scientific ambitions require sustained, structured, and long-term partnerships across research institutions, industry and government. Such collaboration, he noted, is vital for progress in emerging technologies, strategic capability and national innovation goals.
