INSA-Centre for Science & Technology Policy
Chairman’s Message
Prof. Ashutosh Sharma
President, INSA
Chairman, INSA-Centre for Science & Technology Policy
I am happy to share that the Academy has recently established INSA-Centre for Science & Technology Policy (INSA-CSTP) for fostering meaningful dialogue, evidence-based research, and strategic scientific governance in India. This Centre was conceived as a dedicated platform to advance science and technology policies that align with India’s rapidly evolving scientific landscape and growing global presence.
The genesis of this Centre was rooted in a vision to build a robust policy architecture for science and technology in India. Our mission is to engage in advisory, advocacy, and research at the highest levels, ensuring that our policy decisions are driven by informed, peer-reviewed insights. The Centre will work towards developing policy instruments, institutional mechanisms, and strategic frameworks that support diverse applications in scientific and research organizations. We will also lead efforts in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Through partnerships with national and international policy practitioners, we aim to influence global and regional science policies. Recently we have signed an MoU for collaboration of Science Policy with IIT Delhi, and several other collaborations are in the offing. Furthermore, INSA-CSTP has recently secured funding from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to establish a DST-Centre for Policy Research. Our work is aligned with India’s national missions and is designed to enhance the impact of Indian institutions globally. As a centre of excellence, we envision shaping the future of Indian science and positioning India as a thought leader in the global scientific community.
I invite you to explore the vast contributions we aim to make at this Centre and join us in advancing the frontier of science and technology for a more prosperous and equitable world.
(Ashutosh Sharma)
Senior Consultant’s Message
Dr. Akhilesh Gupta
Senior Consultant, INSA-Centre for Science & Technology Policy
Welcome to INSA-Centre for Science & Technology Policy, where we strive to shape the future of India’s science and technology ecosystem. Our Centre is dedicated to fostering informed, evidence-based policies that can address emerging challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving world of science and innovation.
As the Head of the STIP 2020 Secretariat, I had the honour of leading a dedicated team of 26 individuals in drafting the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) 2020. This process, characterized by over 450 rounds of stakeholder consultations, was a ground-breaking exercise in inclusivity and decentralized policy-making. Our aim was to ensure that India’s science and technology framework remains dynamic, responsive, and globally competitive, while being inclusive of the voices of all stakeholders—be it scientists, innovators, or the public at large.
Our work at the INSA-Centre for Science & Technology Policy would focus on driving strategic discourse, providing advisory, and shaping governance frameworks that will support innovation and growth for decades to come. Together, we will contribute towards building a robust scientific landscape that empowers not only our nation but also strengthens India’s position in the global scientific community.
(Akhilesh Gupta)
Executive Director, INSA
Dr Brajesh Pandey
Coordinator, INSA-Centre for Science & Technology Policy
It is with immense pride that I welcome you to the INSA-Centre for Science & Technology Policy, a platform dedicated to shaping the science and technology policy landscape of India through evidence-based research, strategic dialogues, and impactful frameworks.
Our Centre was conceived with a clear mandate: to bridge the gap between science, society, and policy by providing robust, actionable insights that inform decision-making at the highest levels. We strive to be a beacon for forward-thinking policy research, fostering interdisciplinary approaches to address complex challenges and unlocking new opportunities for innovation and growth in India’s scientific ecosystem.
At the heart of our mission lies a commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and equity. By engaging with a wide array of stakeholders, including policymakers, scientists, industry leaders, and civil society, we ensure that our work reflects the needs and aspirations of a dynamic and diverse nation. Our focus extends beyond national boundaries, as we actively collaborate with global partners to position India as a thought leader in science and technology governance.
Our goal is to create a resilient, forward-looking policy environment that empowers institutions, strengthens the research and innovation ecosystem, and catalyzes the transition of ideas into actionable outcomes. I invite you to join us in this journey of transformation, as we work to create a policy ecosystem that not only meets the demands of today but anticipates the needs of tomorrow. Together, we can ensure that India’s science and technology policies are not only globally competitive but also aligned with the aspirations of a more inclusive and sustainable future.
INSA- Centre for Science & Technology Policy (INSA-CSTP)
The INSA-Centre for Science & Technology Policy (INSA-CSTP) was established in 2024 with the broad objectives of (i) providing advisory, advocacy, and research on science policy and strategic scientific governance, and (ii) fostering engagement in international scientific and technological discourse. The Centre is dedicated to developing policy instruments that enable institutional mechanisms and strategies for diverse applications within scientific research organizations and technological innovation systems, while ensuring a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The Centre benefits from the guidance of an expert advisory group, comprising INSA fellows and prominent figures in the science policy domain, who contribute to decision-making on various administrative, research, and funding matters.
At the core of our mission is a commitment to enhancing India’s scientific infrastructure, promoting innovation, and supporting the development of policies that address contemporary challenges and future opportunities. The Centre acts as a hub for interdisciplinary research, bringing together experts from a wide range of fields to collaborate on policy frameworks that are both scientifically rigorous and socially relevant.
Aligned with INSA’s vision of utilizing scientific knowledge for the betterment of humanity, the Centre advocates for evidence-based policy decisions, nurtures scientific talent, and actively engages with global scientific communities. Through these efforts, we aim to contribute to a resilient, innovative India and position the country as a global leader in science and technology.
INSA-DST-CPR
The INSA-DST-Centre for Policy Research (INSA-DST-CPR) is a collaborative initiative between the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST) aimed at fostering evidence-based science policy research and strategic governance. This center serves as a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together scientists, policymakers, and experts from various fields to address critical challenges in science, technology, and innovation. By developing robust policy frameworks and promoting informed decision-making, the INSA-DST-CPR plays a pivotal role in shaping India’s scientific landscape and advancing the nation’s global leadership in science and technology.
CSTP Team
DST- CPR Team
Dr. Brajesh Pandey, Principal Investigator
Mr. Sunil Zokarkar, Co-Principal Investigator
Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Coordinator
Experts Committee
The INSA-Centre for Science & Technology Policy (INSA-CSTP) is dedicated to advance advisory, advocacy, and research in science policy and strategic governance while engaging in international scientific and technological discourse. It focuses on transformative and exponential technology, sustainable development; S&T based start-ups and entrepreneurship, diversity and inclusion, science-society interaction and science diplomacy. By collaborating with both national and international institutions, the Centre will provide informed guidance on pressing scientific and technological challenges, with a particular focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Climate Change, STI interventions in Agriculture, Health, Energy, ESG, and Waste Processing with special emphasis on electronics and plastic.
Key activities of the INSA-CSTP will include conducting: policy impact assessments to evaluate existing policies and their effectiveness, producing policy briefs and summaries with actionable recommendations for decision-makers, and organizing capacity building initiatives to enhance the skills of key stakeholders in science and technology governance. The Centre will host stakeholder engagement forums to facilitate cross-sector dialogues and offer policy implementation guidance for supporting the rollout of new policies. A digital knowledge-sharing portal will be developed to host publications, policy briefs, and foster collaboration.
In its first year, the INSA-CSTP will publish thematic white papers and conduct internationally relevant research, particularly in the areas of AI regulations, climate change, sustainable energy systems, and STI-driven advancements in agriculture and health. The Centre will also roll out a podcast series on science policy, host webinars and workshops, and develop policy frameworks for some key policy initiatives. Additionally, the INSA-CSTP will actively engage with global forums, such as the G20 and BRICS, contributing to international STI policy discussions.
The Centre will also focus on creating an international network of policy practitioners to collaborate on India’s science policy and contribute to global policy discourse. Through these efforts, the INSA-CSTP will drive policy innovation, strengthen governance, and promote international collaboration in science and technology.
Northeast Startup & Entrepreneurs Conclave 2024, NECTAR-INSA (27th – 28th March, 2024)
The Northeast Startup & Entrepreneurs Conclave 2024, organized by NECTAR, showcased the dynamic startup ecosystem of the Northeast, bringing together key stakeholders to foster investment, innovation, and connectivity. INSA played a pivotal role as one of the organizing partners, contributing significantly to the event’s success. Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, President of INSA, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the importance of integrating sustainable development into enterprise growth. INSA led a thought-provoking panel discussion on fostering innovation through Science & Technology and sparked insightful dialogue with a Fireside Chat and White Paper discussion on the region’s S&T policy needs for entrepreneurship and sustainability.
One-day Brainstorming Session on Transforming India’s STI Ecosystem (22nd May, 2024)
The “One-day Brainstorming Session on Transforming India’s STI Ecosystem” held at INSA, Delhi, on 22nd May focused on building a sustainable future through a dynamic and engaging discussion. The session explored six critical sub-themes: Research & Innovation, Equity and Inclusion, Technology Translation, International Cooperation, Interconnectedness, and Science Communication. With the participation of 45 leading policy experts and young researchers, the event aimed to drive forward-thinking strategies to enhance India’s Science, Technology, and Innovation landscape.
Roundtable on Enhancing FLFPR Hosted by Wommenovator and YFLO (5th July, 2024)
INSA and Womennovator, under the leadership of Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, successfully hosted a roundtable discussion focused on boosting the Female Labor Force Participation Ratio (FLFPR). The event united leaders from academia, policy, and industry to explore strategies for enhancing women’s workforce participation in India. Key contributions from Womennovator Founder Tripti Singhal Somani, Dr. Payal Kanodia, and Ms. Kanta Singh highlighted the need for a supportive ecosystem for women’s career transitions.
Two Day Inter-University Academic Brainstorming Event, Kashmir (23rd -24th August, 2024)
The “Two Day Inter-University Academic Brainstorming Event” on sustainable development through innovation and the startup ecosystem, hosted by SKAUST University, featured significant contributions from INSA. Prof. N. K. Mehra, Vice President (International Affairs) INSA, addressed the impact of climate change and antimicrobial resistance on human health, emphasizing the need for healthcare innovation. Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, President of INSA, highlighted the importance of advancing research infrastructure and fostering innovation among young students and women, particularly in agriculture, health, and environmental conservation. The event’s session on “Young Scientists and Women in Science,” chaired by Prof. Sharma, focused on balancing the energy of young scientists with the wisdom of experienced researchers, driving meaningful dialogue and a push for change.
One-day Workshop on Systems Thinking for Technology and Policy (30th August, 2024)
The INSA-Centre for Science & Technology Policy, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DST), successfully organized a one-day workshop titled “Systems Thinking for Technology and Policy” on 30th August 2024 at INSA, New Delhi. The workshop provided a vital platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, focusing on the importance of systems thinking in tackling complex socio-technical challenges. Experts from premier academic institutions, government bodies, and industry gathered to explore the interconnectedness of economic, social, and technical systems, discussing innovative approaches to issues such as sustainable transport solutions, One Health to combat antibiotic resistance, and the establishment of Centres for Systems Thinking (CSTs) across India’s leading universities. The event fostered collaboration and introduced strategic frameworks that integrate systems thinking into technology and policy, paving the way for future-oriented solutions.
MoU with IIT-Delhi:
INSA has entered into a significant partnership with IIT Delhi by signing an MoU to advance research and strategic initiatives in science, technology, and innovation (STI) policy. This collaboration is designed to explore and implement ways to better utilize and shape STI efforts to address contemporary challenges and sustainably strengthen the broader STI enterprise. A key focus of this partnership is the expansion of training and mentoring opportunities for young research scholars in STI policy, fostering a new generation of experts equipped to navigate the complexities of this dynamic field. Additionally, the initiative will facilitate extensive outreach, knowledge sharing, and professional development activities, promoting a deeper understanding and application of STI policy frameworks. By enhancing engagement between INSA and IIT Delhi, this MoU reinforces the commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and establishes a robust platform for innovation and thought leadership in the STI domain.
DST-CPR
RIS
(Policies & Guidelines / Recommended Readings)
Indian National Science Academy,
Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, ITO
Delhi – 110002
Mail – science.policy@insa.nic.in
Ph no – (011) 23235648; 23231095; (011) 23221931 – 23221950 (20 lines)