PARLIAMENT QUESTION: STRENGTHENING CSIR GOVERNANCE AND RESEARCH

CSIR has established institutional mechanisms to promote coordination among its constituent laboratories, academia, industry and other stakeholders for research, technology development and commercialisation of indigenous technologies. CSIR, through its constituent laboratories/institutes, collaborates with academia and industry for R&D in areas of mutual interest and complementary expertise. Dedicated Business Development Groups (BDGs) are functional both at the laboratory level and at CSIR Headquarters to facilitate industry engagement, technology transfer, licensing of technologies, contract research, consultancy, collaborative R&D and adoption of CSIR-developed technologies and products.

Technology transfer and commercialisation activities are supported through a structured framework comprising identification of industry partners, execution of technology licensing agreements, intellectual property management, technical handholding during technology absorption, and post-transfer support, wherever required. CSIR laboratories also maintain regular engagement with industry through technology demonstrations, industry interactions, buyer-seller meets, technology showcases, startup conclaves, innovation workshops and participation in national and international technology exhibitions to enhance industry outreach and facilitate commercialisation. In addition, incubation centres established at selected CSIR laboratories provide an enabling ecosystem for innovation-based enterprises by offering access to specialised R&D infrastructure, prototyping and pilot-scale facilities, advanced analytical and testing equipment, scientific and technical mentoring, consultancy services, intellectual property facilitation, capacity building, entrepreneurship support and networking opportunities with investors, industry and other innovation stakeholders. These initiatives facilitate the translation of research outcomes into commercially viable technologies and products.

The Government continuously studies and draws upon global best practices, including those followed by leading research and innovation ecosystems, for strengthening the functioning of national research institutions, wherever considered appropriate.

CSIR actively collaborates with Central Ministries, State Governments, PSUs, industry, academia and other stakeholders through research partnerships, technology transfer, licensing agreements, pilot demonstrations, consultancy and capacity-building initiatives to facilitate the adoption and commercialization of indigenous technologies. The adoption of CSIR-developed technologies is undertaken by the respective user agencies based on their functional requirements and techno-commercial considerations.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Ind. Charge) Science & Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State PMO; Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Department of Atomic Energy and Space Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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NKR/AK