Editorial of the Day (20th Jan): The Problem with India’s Science Management

Context: The Indian government is in the process of overhauling its scientific infrastructure. A critical assessment of current administration is vital for improving the sector’s efficiency and resilience.

Issues Related TO India’s Science Management

• Low R&D Expenditure: India’s research and development spending is relatively low at around 0.7% of GDP, significantly less than countries like the United States (3.5%) and China (2.4%). This limited funding requires strategic allocation to high-impact projects.
• Inefficient Scientific Administration: The administration within India’s science sector has been ineffective in optimally utilising resources. Even high-profile programs like the space initiative are falling behind, evidenced by ISRO’s eighth place in global launch numbers and lagging in reusable rocket technology.
• Decline in Nuclear and Other Sciences: India’s nuclear energy sector is lagging, particularly in small modular reactors. Ambitions in thorium-based energy remain unfulfilled. Additionally, India is falling behind in critical fields like genomics, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
• Dominance of Public Sector in Science: The Indian science landscape is heavily influenced by the public sector, suffering from typical bureaucratic issues like slow funding approvals and inequitable decision-making.
• Lack of Long-Term Commitment: There is an absence of consistent, long-term funding for critical scientific projects, which is crucial for robust science management, especially when facing occasional failures.

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In The Administration

• Overemphasis on Scientists in Administration: Indian science administration is heavily reliant on senior scientists, whose roles range widely from academic pursuits to micromanagement of institutional affairs. They are often involved in various committees and aspire to high administrative positions.
• Misalignment of Skills: The belief that a good scientist will naturally be a good administrator is flawed. Administration requires a distinct skill set, such as resource allocation, which may not align with the traits of a successful scientist.
• Training Deficiencies in Administration: Scientists often lack comprehensive training in administrative decision-making, leading to inefficiencies and project delays.
• Conflict of Interest: The dual role of scientists as academics and administrators within the same institution leads to conflicts of interest and ethical issues, including red tape, favouritism, and quality control problems.
• Systemic Issues Since Independence: The centralization of resources in select institutions post-Independence created a system of gatekeepers, leading to a network that controls resources, appointments, and recognition, often to the detriment of scientific progress.

Measures To Consider

• Comparison with U.S. System: In contrast, the U.S. separates administrators from scientists, selecting individuals early in their careers for administrative roles, a practice that could be beneficial for India.
• Need for Specialized Administration Training: India could benefit from a system where scientists are trained in a central pool for science administration, similar to the American model, to improve administrative efficiency in science.
• Reforming India’s Science Administration: Addressing these administrative challenges is crucial for India to fulfil its economic and strategic potential in science and technology.

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