Q.16. Explain Science, Technology and Innovation Policy – 2020.

The Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (STIP) 2020 is a comprehensive policy framework introduced by the Government of India to guide the future development of science, technology, and innovation in the country. Here are the key objectives and features of STIP 2020:

Objectives:

• Promote Open Science: Encouraging open access to scientific data, publications, and educational resources.
• Capacity Development: Focusing on building human capital in science, technology, and innovation.
• Financing STI: Ensuring sustainable funding models for research and development.
• Research and Innovation: Strengthening the research ecosystem and promoting innovation across sectors.
• Technology Development: Encouraging the indigenization of technologies and self-reliance.
• Equity and Inclusion: Ensuring inclusive participation in STI activities, with a focus on gender equity and social inclusion.
• Science Communication: Enhancing public engagement and science communication to foster a scientific temper.
• International Engagement: Strengthening international STI partnerships and collaborations.

Features:

• Decentralized and Inclusive: The policy aims to be decentralized, evidence-informed, and inclusive, involving a wide range of stakeholders in its formulation and implementation.
• Dynamic Policy: It introduces the concept of a ‘dynamic policy’ with a robust governance mechanism that includes periodic review, evaluation, feedback, and adaptation.
• Implementation Framework: The policy outlines a detailed implementation framework to ensure that the objectives are effectively translated into actions.

STIP 2020 represents a strategic effort to reorient India’s STI efforts in line with global advancements and national priorities, aiming to create a vibrant ecosystem that fosters research and innovation for socio-economic progress and welfare. It is the fifth national science, technology, and innovation policy of India, following previous policies that have progressively built the country’s STI capabilities.