NITI Aayog workshop highlights embedding research and development in state institutions

NITI Aayog concluded a two-day national workshop on strengthening research and development systems within state institutions on Jan 9 at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham in Coimbatore.

Titled “Sustaining Innovation: Embedding R&D in State Institutions,” the workshop was organized in collaboration with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and the Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology.

It brought together policymakers, scientists, and representatives from academic and research institutions to examine ways to integrate research and development into state institutions for evidence-based policymaking, scalable innovation, and long-term development.

Suman Bery, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, said, “The research undertaken at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is deeply rooted in addressing real-world challenges faced by ordinary people.”

He added 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 stressed the need to align research outcomes with national priorities and public welfare.

The workshop opened on Jan 8 with a welcome address by Dr Maneesha Vinodini Ramesh, Pro Vice Chancellor of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, who highlighted the “Responsibility of universities in building strong, sustainable R&D ecosystems.”

In a video message, Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, Chancellor of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, spoke on inclusion, compassion, and the responsible use of technology as key pillars of societal progress.

Dr V K Paul, Member of NITI Aayog, emphasized the need to embed research and development deeply within institutions to ensure sustained and impactful innovation.

Prof Dr S Vincent, Member Secretary of the Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology, said, “Tamil Nadu is currently at the forefront of patent filings in India, with nearly 5,000 to 6,000 applications filed annually.”

He noted that Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is a significant contributor and reaffirmed state government support for the geographical indication products being developed by the university.

One outcome of the workshop was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and the CSIR National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research, New Delhi, to collaborate on research and science and technology initiatives.

The MoU was exchanged by Dr Maneesha Vinodini Ramesh and Dr Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director of CSIR NIScPR.

The program also included a session recognizing contributions to policy-linked development and innovation by Suman Bery, Prof Lalnilawma, 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.

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

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

The event was attended by 79 external participants representing government departments, research organizations, state science and technology councils, and academic institutions from across the country.