Research and Development — Tech Evolutions

Entry	Year	Description	Impact
N/A (Policy Shift)	2013	The Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) 2013 marked a significant shift from previous policies by explicitly integrating 'Innovation' alongside Science and Technology. It recognized innovation as a key driver for economic growth and societal benefit, moving beyond mere scientific discovery to focus on translating research into tangible outcomes.	This policy broadened the scope of R&D, emphasizing the entire innovation value chain from basic research to market-ready products. It encouraged public-private partnerships and focused on creating an ecosystem conducive to innovation, influencing subsequent schemes like Startup India and Atal Innovation Mission.
N/A (Legislative Act)	2023	The National Research Foundation (NRF) Act 2023 established the NRF as an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction for scientific research across universities, colleges, and research institutions. This legislative act is a major structural reform in India's R&D governance and funding.	The NRF is designed to democratize research funding, strengthen infrastructure, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. It aims to significantly increase private sector participation in R&D funding and expand the research base beyond a few elite institutions, potentially transforming India's research landscape and boosting GERD.
N/A (Draft Policy)	2020	The Draft Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) 2020, though not yet finalized, proposes radical shifts towards an 'open science' framework, decentralization of S&T governance, and a focus on equity and inclusion. It aims to make India's S&T ecosystem more resilient and future-ready.	If implemented, the Draft STIP 2020 could fundamentally alter access to scientific knowledge ('One Nation, One Subscription'), promote greater public engagement in S&T, and ensure that research benefits a wider cross-section of society. It also emphasizes emerging technologies and a more agile policy response to global challenges.