The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has recently established an Innovation Cell on its premises to promote the culture of innovation throughout Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in India. The primary function of this cell is to foster and stimulate a spirit of innovation among students by exposing them to fresh ideas and processes. This initiative is anticipated to lead to a plethora of innovative activities sprouting during the students’ formative years. Simultaneously, the Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA) has been launched. ARIIA aims to cultivate healthy competitiveness among Higher Educational Institutions through ranking based on innovation achievements.
Enhanced Global Innovation Index Ranking
This move comes in light of India’s improved position in the Global Innovation index Ranking, moving from 60th place in 2017 to 57th in 2018. India’s sustained outperformance on the innovation front relative to its level of development for multiple consecutive years is a positive sign.
Innovation Cell Programs
Under the aegis of the Innovation Cell, major programs such as the Network of Innovation Clubs (NIC) will be instituted. The NICs aim to motivate, inspire and nurture young students by providing platforms for: Interactions with renowned Business Leaders and top academics, Mentorship from Industry Professionals, and Experimentation with new technologies.
Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA)
ARIIA will primarily rank institutions based on innovation-related indicators. Instead of just focusing on the quantity of innovations, ARIIA stresses the quality and measures the real impact these innovations make on a national and international level. Key focus areas are Budget Expenses and Revenue generated through Innovation and entrepreneurship development, access to advanced centres/facilities, and entrepreneurial support systems.
National Student Startup Policy (NSSP)
In 2016, AICTE launched the Student Start-up Policy in alignment with the Government of India’s “Start-up India” Action plan. It is designed to identify the innovative and entrepreneurial potential of students and transform them into start-up entrepreneurs.
Steps Taken by Government to Promote Innovation
The “India Innovation Index” was launched by NITI Aayog, Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The government has been promoting Research Parks (RPs) and Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) intended to support and advance innovative ideas until they become commercial ventures. Additionally, initiatives such as the IMPRINT and Uchhatar Avishkar Yojana (UAY) have attracted the scientific community’s attention towards innovation promotion. Efforts like the Start Up India further lay the foundation for the identification and incubation of innovative ideas.