Hints of the Corporatisation of Science Research in India

The Indian government's recent emphasis on integrating market-oriented approaches into scientific research is evident through the establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). This move signals a shift towards leveraging private sector investment in scientific research, potentially at the cost of public funding and support for basic science.

Shift Towards Market-Driven Research

• Policy Changes: The Indian government has encouraged laboratories and research centers to generate revenue through external sources, aligning research with market needs rather than relying solely on public funding.
• Corporatization of Science: The Dehradun Declaration and the establishment of the ANRF reflect a broader trend towards treating scientific research as a market commodity, with an emphasis on commercialization and patenting.
• Private Sector Dominance: The ANRF Act of 2023 anticipates that 72% of its ?50,000 crore funding will come from private sector investments, indicating a reduction in direct government support for research.

Implications for Basic Science

• Curiosity-Driven Research: The emphasis on marketability could undermine curiosity-driven scientific research, which is essential for foundational knowledge and understanding natural phenomena without immediate commercial applications.
• Public vs. Private Funding: Unlike market-driven research, basic science often requires substantial public funding to explore and understand fundamental scientific principles, which might not have immediate practical uses but are crucial for long-term knowledge growth.
• Global Comparison: India’s low public funding for research (0.6% to 0.7% of GDP) contrasts sharply with countries like South Korea, which invests about 2% to 3% of GDP, highlighting a significant gap in support for science.

Potential Risks and Considerations

• Erosion of Autonomy: Increasing private sector influence may compromise the financial and administrative autonomy of research institutions, affecting their ability to pursue unbiased scientific inquiry.
• Impact on Public Trust: A shift towards research driven by private interests could erode public trust in science if it appears that scientific agendas are increasingly dictated by commercial motivations.
• Need for Balanced Funding: To sustain robust scientific research, India must balance private investments with substantial public funding, ensuring that basic science continues to thrive alongside applied research.

Mains Question

Q. Critically analyze the implications of the market-oriented approach to scientific research as reflected in the establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). How might this shift impact the pursuit of basic science and public trust in scientific research in India?