Syllabus Section: Science and Technology

Why in News?

Hyderabad, a hub of innovation, has been selected for setting up a Science and Technology Cluster, an initiative of the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC).

Background:

• The establishment of Science & Technology (S&T) Clusters is a major initiative under the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC).

• Four cities that have strong organisations, institutions, and industries focused on science and technology – Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Delhi-National Capital Region, and Pune, has been chosen for establishment of mega S&T cluster.

• The S&T Cluster programwill align and integrate with the ongoing PM-STIAC missions, national initiatives, and missions of the Government of India, such as the recently approved National Education Policy 2020, the Institutes of Excellence, and so on.

S & T Cluster Goals

• The goal is to build capability and capacity to reduce our dependency on imports, across sectors, and create an end-to-end supply chain to become self-sufficient and export capable, for technology-enabled products, in partnership with the industry, civil society, and foundations.

• The clusters will also enable the creation of global quality standards for Indian products to enable the internationalization of indigenous technologies.

MANDATE  OF S&T CLUSTERS:

• Creation of the S&T clusters aims to solve complex local challenges by creating networks between diverse stakeholders ranging from national research and academic institutions, industries, associations, startups, civil society entities, state governments, and central ministries, by providing innovative solutions that transform lives.

• The S&T Cluster Apex Committee will have the autonomy to propose newer focus areas and more activities with time, based on the feedback received from four clusters.

• The clusters will operate on an innovative and self-sustainable business model, ensuring financial participation by all stakeholders. The clusters will aim to achieve financial sustainability within 5 years.  The initial seed funding will be provided by the Government, and subsequently clusters will engage with external partners such as industry, philanthropy and other stakeholders for additional funding.

• All existing institutions (academic and laboratories) or existing clusters supported by Government of India in the city/ region will become a part of the S&T Cluster.

• Each cluster will be supported by a legal entity, which will act as a central pivot and oversee the cluster’s development. The cluster can be formed as a Section 8 organization, trust, or society. Existing societies that have been set up by any participating institution can also be leveraged for this purpose. The cluster will act as an umbrella organization and will include members from all institutions in the cluster.

• Each cluster will be headed by a full time dynamic CEO, who shall be selected in consultation with the S&T cluster Apex Committee. The cluster CEO will directly report to the S&T cluster Apex Committee.

• The clusters will have a culture of experimentation coupled with acceptance of failure.

 

 

Source: PIB