In a significant move to boost India’s research and development (R&D) ecosystem, the NITI Aayog organised the fifth regional consultation meeting on ‘Ease of Research and Development’ on August 12-13, 2025, at Science City in Ahmedabad. Over 110 participants, including heads of educational and research institutions and policymakers, gathered to discuss strategies to strengthen India’s research and innovation ecosystem.
The main aim of the meeting was to reduce procedural barriers, enhance access to knowledge resources, improve institutional competitiveness, and place more emphasis on translational research. The meeting sought to create a conducive environment for R&D in the country.
Dr. Narottam Sahu, an advisor and member secretary of GUJCOST, opened the meeting with a welcome address. Professor Vivek Kumar Singh, a senior advisor from NITI Aayog, highlighted the need for structural reforms, streamlined regulations, and a robust institutional framework to promote R&D in India.
Ms. P. Bharti, IAS, Secretary of the Science and Technology Department of Gujarat, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to creating a strong research ecosystem in line with the Prime Minister’s vision for a developed India. Dr. Nilesh Desai, Director of SAC-ISRO, announced a 12-day outreach programme for ‘National Space Day’ and stressed the importance of a well-structured R&D environment.
In his keynote address, Dr. R.A. Mashlekar, former Director General of CSIR, evaluated the R&D landscape, identifying key shortcomings and suggesting actionable strategies for progress.
On the second day, Dr. V.K. Saraswat, a member of NITI Aayog, emphasized the urgent need to transform India’s research institutions into globally competitive entities. He advocated for institutional benchmarking, streamlined compliance processes, and strengthened academic-industry linkages to enable a high-impact research culture.
The consultation included comprehensive discussions on strengthening the R&D ecosystem, increasing funding and regulatory frameworks, and improving access to knowledge resources. Participants focused on understanding current institutional frameworks and processes, identifying gaps, and exploring strategies to eliminate them. Special emphasis was placed on administrative agility and regulatory accountability.
The need to enhance key capabilities, such as organized funding systems, robust research frameworks, and simplified regulatory processes, was highlighted as crucial.
The discussions reiterated NITI Aayog’s ongoing commitment to fostering a globally competitive, innovation-driven research ecosystem. Insights and suggestions gathered from the meetings will play a vital role in developing a national strategy to simplify R&D in India, ultimately positioning the country as an attractive destination for researchers, innovators, and international collaboration.