NITI Aayog Concludes National Workshop on Strengthening State-Level Research Ecosystems

NITI Aayog Concludes National Workshop on Strengthening State-Level Research Ecosystems

Coimbatore: NITI Aayog concluded a two-day national workshop titled “Sustaining Innovation: Embedding R&D in State Institutions” on January 9 at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore, bringing together policymakers, scientists, and representatives from academic and research institutions across the country.

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

Delivering the special address, Shri Suman Bery, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, highlighted the importance of research that directly addresses real-world challenges. He noted that the application of technology, when aligned with public welfare and national priorities, plays a critical role in addressing complex societal issues.

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

Dr. V. K. Paul, Hon’ble Member of NITI Aayog, underscored the need to institutionalise research and development to ensure innovation remains consistent, measurable, and socially relevant.

Highlighting Tamil Nadu’s innovation landscape, Prof. Dr. S. Vincent, Member Secretary of the Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology, stated that the state leads India in patent filings, with nearly 5,000 to 6,000 applications annually. He noted that Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is a significant contributor and reaffirmed state support for Geographical Indication (GI) products developed by the university.

A key outcome of the workshop was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and the CSIR–National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR), New Delhi. The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration in research, science communication, and policy-related initiatives. The MoU was exchanged by Dr. Maneesha Vinodini Ramesh and Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director of CSIR–NIScPR.

The programme also recognised contributions to policy-linked development and innovation, with acknowledgements by Shri Suman Bery, Prof. Lalnilawma, Hon’ble Minister for Rural Development and Disaster Management, Government of Mizoram, and Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam. Two publications—Changing Dimensions: A Journey from Immersion to Impact and Scholars for Sustainability—were released during the inaugural session, documenting research-led initiatives and their societal applications.

Over two days, the workshop featured technical sessions and panel discussions on strengthening State Science and Technology Councils, developing institutional mechanisms through state-level missions, and aligning grassroots innovation with policy frameworks. The deliberations concluded with shared insights and broad recommendations aimed at building 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 India.