The eighth iteration of the Regional Consultative Meeting on “Ease of Doing Research and Development (R&D)” was successfully organized by NITI Aayog on October 30-31, 2025, at the National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS), Thiruvananthapuram. The meeting convened institutional leaders, Vice Chancellors, and representatives from various scientific ministries and departments for focused discussions on strengthening India’s R&D ecosystem.
Opening Remarks and Framework Introduction
Prof. N.V. Chalapathi Rao, Director of NCESS, highlighted the importance of creating an enabling environment for scientific inquiry and underscored the role of regional research institutions in fostering innovation-led development. Prof. Vivek Kumar Singh of NITI Aayog introduced the ROPE Framework (Removing Obstacles, Promoting Enablers) that guides the initiative on the Ease of Doing R&D. The framework aims to identify and overcome institutional and policy-level challenges while encouraging collaboration and capacity enhancement.
Expert Recommendations and Strategic Insights
Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, proposed leveraging retired scientific talent, strengthening University-Industry-Government (UIG) linkages, promoting data sharing, and enhancing science communication to make research more accessible to society.
Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Member of NITI Aayog, emphasized that both internal (institutional structure, governance) and external (regulatory and funding) factors are crucial to improving Ease of Doing R&D. He stressed the need to address these simultaneously to advance India’s vision of becoming a global leader in research and innovation.
Holistic Approach to Science and Development
Kerala Governor Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar connected the ease of conducting R&D to the broader goal of improving citizens’ quality of living. He emphasized that science and technology must serve people-centric development and that collaboration among institutions, industries, and governments is essential for inclusive growth. He affirmed that regional development paves the way for national progress.
Conclusion and Forward Path
The two-day meeting concluded with interactive sessions reaffirming the collective commitment of academia, research labs, and government institutions to build an efficient, inclusive, and collaborative R&D ecosystem capable of propelling India’s scientific journey.
For more real-time updates, visit Channel 6 Network.
Source: PIB
