NITI Aayog Survey Reveals Industry's Limited Support for R&D in India
India research funding shock: 76% say industry rarely supports R&D, reveals NITI Aayog-backed EoDR survey report
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A recent Ease of Doing Research (EoDR) survey by NITI Aayog highlights significant challenges faced by Indian researchers, including a lack of industry funding, with 76% stating that industry rarely supports R&D. The survey, involving 878 respondents, reveals a preference for government funding and lengthy approval processes.
- 01Only 13% of funding comes from private industry, contrasting sharply with leading R&D nations.
- 0276.4% of respondents indicated that industry rarely supports R&D projects.
- 03The average time from proposal preparation to funding disbursement can take up to two years.
- 04Women researchers face unique challenges, with 83% of career breaks taken by women despite their low representation.
- 0539.9% of respondents struggle to spend disbursed funds within the year due to administrative delays.
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The Ease of Doing Research (EoDR) survey, conducted by NITI Aayog, reveals critical insights into the state of research funding in India. Out of 878 respondents from various prestigious institutions, 76.4% reported that industry rarely supports R&D projects. The survey highlighted that only 13% of funding sources come from private industry, with 52.5% relying on the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Researchers face lengthy approval processes, averaging 7-15 months for proposal approvals and up to two years for funding disbursement. Women researchers, while representing 24.5% of respondents, reported significant barriers, with 83% of career breaks attributed to them. The survey indicates a preference for government funding, especially among those involved in basic research, as many find industry funding pressures unaligned with scientific feasibility. Overall, the findings underscore the urgent need for improved funding mechanisms and support for researchers in India.
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The survey highlights critical gaps in funding for research, which could hinder innovation and development in India.
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