Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
4. With the advent of new disruptive technologies, global competitiveness will be increasingly determined by the quality of science and technology, which in turn will depend on raising the standard of Indian research/education centres and on the volume of R&D spending. In the light of the statement critically analyze the draft Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (STIP). (250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The draft of the 5th National Science Technology and Innovation Policy has been finalized and is now available for public consultation.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the draft Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (STIP) and analyze its pros and cons.
Directive:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start the answer by stating the aims and objectives of Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (STIP).
Body:
In the first part, bring out the links between spending on R&D and quality of research and development on the country’s global competitiveness.
Next, mention about the features of the draft Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (STIP). The profound changes it seeks through short, medium and long-term mission mode projects by building a nurtured ecosystem that promotes research and innovation on the part of both individuals and organizations.
In the next part, evaluate the positives of the draft policy. Technological self-reliance, innovation ecosystem, robust cohesive financial landscape, explore international best practices of grant management, inclusion of women and LGBTQ+ and robust STI Governance etc.
In the final part, mention the shortcomings of the policy. Issue of funding, Use of jargon and clichés, Possibility of over-regulation, silent on achieving inclusivity and lack of a proper roadmap etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
