**Summary:**
NITI Aayog convened its Fifth Regional Consultative Meeting on Ease of Doing Research and Development (R&D) on August 12-13, 2025, at Science City, Ahmedabad. Hosted by GUJCOST, the meeting brought together over 110 participants, including heads of academic and research institutions, and policymakers. The primary objective was to formulate strategies for bolstering India's research and innovation ecosystem by reducing procedural barriers, enhancing access to knowledge resources, increasing institutional competitiveness, emphasizing translational research, and creating a more enabling environment for R&D.
Key discussions revolved around strengthening the R&D ecosystem, enhancing funding and regulatory frameworks, and improving access to knowledge resources. Participants focused on understanding existing institutional structures, identifying gaps, and exploring strategies for administrative agility and regulatory responsiveness. Emphasis was placed on streamlined funding mechanisms, robust research infrastructure, and simplified regulatory procedures.
Dr. Narottam Sahoo (Advisor and Member Secretary, GUJCOST) delivered the welcome address. Prof. Vivek Kumar Singh (Senior Advisor, NITI Aayog) underscored the need for structural reforms and agile regulations. Ms. P. Bharathi (IAS, Secretary, DST, Gujarat) affirmed the state's commitment to a robust research ecosystem. Dr. Nilesh Desai (Director, SAC/ISRO) announced a space science outreach program and emphasized a streamlined R&D environment. Dr. R.A. Mashelkar (former DG, CSIR) assessed the R&D landscape and suggested actionable strategies. Dr. V. K. Saraswat (Member, NITI Aayog) delivered the closing address, urging the transformation of Indian research institutions into globally competitive entities through institutional benchmarking, simplified compliance, and stronger academia-industry linkages.
The meeting's insights and recommendations will inform the development of a national strategy to improve the ease of doing R&D in India, aiming to position the country as a more attractive destination for researchers, innovators, and international collaborations.
Key Entities Referenced
NITI Aayog: A policy think tank of the Government of India, involved in the consultative meeting.
Ease of Doing Research Development RD: The primary focus of the consultative meeting, aimed at improving the research environment in India.
Science City, Ahmedabad: The venue in Gujarat, India, where the Fifth Regional Consultative Meeting was held.
GUJCOST: Host of the meeting; likely Gujarat Council on Science and Technology.
Dr. Narottam Sahoo: Advisor and Member Secretary, GUJCOST who gave the welcome address.
Prof. Vivek Kumar Singh: Senior Adviser, NITI Aayog who highlighted the need for structural reforms.
DST, Gujarat: Department of Science and Technology, Gujarat. The Secretary, Ms. P. Bharathi, IAS, reaffirmed the states commitment.
CSIR: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, former DG Dr. R.A. Mashelkar assessed the RD landscape
NITI Aayog
Fifth Regional Consultative Meeting on “Ease of
Doing Research & Development (R&D)” held at
Science City, Ahmedabad
Posted On: 14 AUG 2025 11:16AM by PIB Delhi
NITI Aayog held the Fifth Consultative Meeting on “Ease of Doing Research & Development (R&D)” hosted
by GUJCOST at Science City, Ahmedabad on 12-13August 2025, bringing together over 110 participants,
the heads of academic institutes and research institutions, and policymakers, to deliberate on strategies for
strengthening India’s research and innovation ecosystem. The meeting aimed to build consensus on reducing
procedural barriers, increasing access to knowledge resources, enhancing institutional competitiveness,
increased emphasis on translational research, and fostering a more enabling environment for R&D in the
country.
The meeting began with a welcome address by Dr. Narottam Sahoo, Advisor and Member Secretary,
GUJCOST. Prof. Vivek Kumar Singh, Senior Adviser, NITI Aayog, highlighted the need for structural
reforms, agile regulations, and stronger institutional frameworks to enhance R&D in India. Ms. P. Bharathi,
IAS, Secretary, DST, Gujarat, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to building a robust research ecosystem
aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat. Dr. Nilesh Desai, Director, SAC–ISRO, announced
a 12-day space science outreach programme for ‘National Space Day’ and stressed the need for a streamlined
R&D environment. In his keynote, Dr. R.A. Mashelkar, former DG, CSIR, assessed the R&D landscape,
identified key gaps, and suggested actionable strategies for progress.
nd
Dr. V. K. Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog, delivered the closing address on the 2 day, underscoring the
urgency of transforming India’s research institutions into globally competitive entities. He called for
institutional benchmarking, simplification of compliance procedures, and stronger academia-industry linkages
to enable a high-impact research culture. He emphasized that reducing friction across the research lifecycle iscentral to advancing national scientific goals and achieving self-reliance in critical technology areas.
The two-day consultative meeting centered on comprehensive deliberations around key themes such as
strengthening the R&D ecosystem, enhancing funding and regulatory frameworks, and improving access to
knowledge resources. Discussions focused on understanding existing institutional structures and processes,
identifying gaps, and exploring strategies to address them, with a strong emphasis on administrative agility
and regulatory responsiveness. Participants underscored the critical need to reinforce foundational enablers,
including streamlined funding mechanisms, robust research infrastructure, and simplified regulatory
procedures. The dialogue highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts and translational research in
unlocking India’s full research and innovation potential.
The consultative meeting reaffirmed NITI Aayog’s sustained commitment to fostering a globally competitive,
innovation-driven research ecosystem. Insights and recommendations emerging from the discussions will
inform the development of a national strategy aimed at improving the ease of doing R&D in India, ultimately
positioning the country as a more attractive destination for researchers, innovators, and international
collaborations.
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MJPS/SR
(Release ID: 2156261)