The Union Cabinet has recently given the green light for the formation of a competent “Technology Group”. This group, which is vested with wide-ranging powers, is tasked with providing the Government with guidance on prioritizing research efforts in emerging technologies across multiple sectors. It will not just focus predominantly on keeping policy advice current with the most recent technologies, but will also be instrumental in mapping technology and its derivative products.
Group Composition and Leadership
The Technology Group will comprise a team of 12 experts. The Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Prof. K VijayRaghavan, will spearhead this group as its Chair.
Roles and Responsibilities
In addition to offering timely policy advice on latest technologies, the group has been entrusted with a slew of responsibilities. These include commercializing dual use technologies created in national labs and government Research and Development (R&D) institutions, and developing an indigenisation roadmap for certain critical technologies. The group will also be responsible for selecting suitable R&D programs that can lead to significant technological advancement.
Facilitating Collaborations and Developing Standards
One of the key functions of the Technology Group will be to foster cross-sector collaborations. They will aim to create effective research alliances with universities, private corporations and other relevant entities. Apart from this, the group is also expected to devise “standards and a common vocabulary” that will assist in vetting proposals for research and development projects.
The Three Pillars of the Technology Group’s Operations
The Technology Group’s work can be distilled into three primary categories: Policy Support, Procurement Support, and Support on Research and Development proposals. Each of these form the backbone of their operations and are integral to their mandate.
Under the banner of Policy Support, the group will provide guidance on formulating and executing policies that are in line with the latest technological advancements. As the term suggests, Procurement Support will involve assistance in procuring the necessary resources, tools and technology essential for implementing various programs. Finally, Support on Research and Development Proposals will entail providing consultative support and guidance for the development of R&D proposals, thereby ensuring their technical viability and practical value.
It is envisioned that the formation of this Technology Group will bring about much-needed synergy between different sectors in terms of technology use, development and advancement. It is an important move towards harnessing the vast potential of emerging technologies that can shape the future trajectory of the nation’s development.
Source: PIB