National Workshop Unites India's Innovation Leaders at GIFT City

NITI Aayog hosted a workshop in Gujarat's GIFT City to enhance India's innovation ecosystem. The event united key stakeholders, including government and industry leaders, focusing on research, policy, and global innovation trends. Discussions emphasized collaboration and transitioning India towards a product-based economy to strengthen its global footprint.

NITI Aayog organized a pivotal national workshop titled "Building Synergies in Indian Innovation Ecosystem" at GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Aimed at fortifying India's innovation landscape, the event, on Monday, witnessed the collaboration of the Gujarat Council on Science & Technology (GUJCOST) under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat.

The workshop served as a confluence for myriad stakeholders, drawing government officials, academic luminaries, industry veterans, burgeoning startup founders, and international delegates. Discussions pivoted around R&D investments, innovative state policies, trends in global innovation, and grassroots entrepreneurship. Esteemed personalities in attendance included V. K. Saraswat, Member (Science & Technology) at NITI Aayog, and Mona Khandhar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Gujarat.

V.K. Saraswat, in his opening address, underscored the urgency of synergies spanning government, academia, and industrial sectors to propel Indian innovation. He accentuated the significance of translational research fostering impactful startups and advocated a strategic shift from a service-centric to a product-centric industry approach, alongside enhanced support for DeepTech ventures.

Further, Saraswat delineated vital governmental initiatives designed to invigorate research, innovation, and entrepreneurship nationwide. The workshop unfolded with dynamic discussions spearheaded by top-notch innovation and tech leaders. A notable segment "Bharat Innovates: Overview of the National Innovation Ecosystem" delved into constructing an innovation-conducive India.

Sacha Wunsch-Vincent from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) elaborated on India's innovation trajectory for the coming decade, noting improvements in the nation's intellectual property profile with increased patent filings. He underscored anticipated expansions in Science & Technology clusters as a catalyst for innovation enhancement.

The session titled "Vishwa Mein Ubharta Bharat: Strengthening India's Global Innovation Footprint" highlighted India's escalating global presence in the innovation arena, enriched by insights from international experts including WIPO's Wunsch-Vincent and Rajul Gajjar from Gujarat Technological University. The workshop culminated in discussions on actionable future plans, led by V.K. Saraswat and senior officials from NITI Aayog, the Gujarat State Government, and former CSIR DG and DSIR Secretary.

The closing remarks spotlighted Gujarat's strategic role in championing innovation, emphasizing the state's advanced policy framework, research investment initiatives, and a conducive startup ecosystem.

(With inputs from agencies.)