NITI Aayog workshop at Amrita focuses on embedding R&D in states

NITI Aayog's national workshop at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham focused on embedding R&D in state institutions. Key outcomes included an MoU between Amrita and CSIR-NIScPR and discussions on strengthening state S&T ecosystems.

A two-day national workshop titled "Sustaining Innovation: Embedding R&D in State Institutions," convened by NITI Aayog, concluded on January 9 at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore. According to an official release, the workshop brought together policymakers, scientists, and representatives from academic and research institutions to examine approaches for strengthening research and innovation frameworks at the state level.

The discussions focused on embedding research and development within state institutions to support evidence-based policymaking, scalable innovation, and long-term development outcomes. The workshop was organised in collaboration with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and the Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology.

Aligning Research with National Priorities

Delivering the special address, Suman Bery, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, said, "the research undertaken at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is deeply rooted in addressing real-world challenges faced by ordinary people. He noted that the Prime Minister strongly believes many of today's societal challenges can be addressed only through the thoughtful and purposeful application of technology, and emphasised the need to align research outcomes with national priorities and public welfare, as per the release.

The workshop opened on January 8 with a welcome address by Dr. Maneesha Vinodini Ramesh, Pro Vice Chancellor, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, who highlighted, "Responsibility of universities in building strong, sustainable R&D ecosystems. In a video message, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma), Chancellor of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, reflected on inclusion, compassion, and the responsible use of technology as essential pillars of societal progress.

Dr. V. K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, underscored the importance of embedding research and development deeply within institutions to ensure innovation that is both sustained and impactful."

Prof. Dr. S. Vincent, Member Secretary, Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology, noted that "Tamil Nadu is currently at the forefront of patent filings in India, with nearly 5,000 to 6,000 applications filed annually. He said Amrita is a key contributor to this achievement and affirmed the state government's support for the GI products being developed by the university."

Key Workshop Outcomes

MoU for Research Collaboration

One of the outcomes of the workshop the release highlighted, was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and the CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR), New Delhi. The agreement is intended to facilitate collaboration on research and science-and-technology-related initiatives. The MoU was exchanged by Dr. Maneesha Vinodini Ramesh and Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director, CSIR-NIScPR.

The programme also included a session acknowledging contributions to policy-linked development and innovation by Suman Bery, Prof. Lalnilawma, Hon'ble Minister for Rural Development and Disaster Management, Government of Mizoram, and Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam.

Publication Release

During the inaugural session, two publications--Changing Dimensions: A Journey from Immersion to Impact and Scholars for Sustainability--were released, documenting research-led initiatives and their application to societal contexts, the release stated.

Developing Inclusive R&D Ecosystems

Across two days, the workshop featured technical sessions and panel discussions on themes such as strengthening State Science and Technology Councils, institutional mechanisms for innovation through state-level missions, and aligning grassroots innovation with policy frameworks.

The deliberations concluded with a set of shared insights and broad recommendations aimed at developing inclusive, technology-enabled, and outcome-oriented R&D ecosystems across states.

The workshop was attended by 79 external participants representing government departments, research organisations, state science and technology councils, and academic institutions from across the country, the release concluded. (ANI)

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