Dr Jitendra Singh Calls for New Industry-R&D Partnership Model
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh proposed a fundamental shift in industry-research institution collaboration during the 6th RISE Conclave at CSIR-IICB, Kolkata. He emphasized that commercial partners should be identified and associated at the project-planning stage itself to ensure technologies are shaped by market requirements, practical considerations, and commercial viability from inception. This approach aims to prevent technologies from reaching the market only to discover they need modification for actual user requirements.
Industry-Specific Technology Challenges
Critical minerals and indigenous technology emerged as major areas of discussion, with industry representatives seeking CSIR laboratory support for rare-earth extraction, permanent magnets, recycling, lithium beneficiation, and recovery of strategic minerals including vanadium and titanium. The discussion also covered exploration possibilities for rare earths and other critical minerals in eastern India. Space technology and specialized optical components were additionally raised as areas requiring attention.
Proposed Collaborative Platforms and Regulatory Framework
Dr Singh suggested exploring a common R&D facility for the foundry sector, with industry collaboration to articulate requirements and government facilitation of the platform. He specifically urged steel-sector players to collaborate, stating "We are ready to provide the forum. You come, all of you from all the different steel industries, as representatives, come as a group and say, 'Provide us a forum.' We'll provide." The Minister noted that regulatory simplification had already been undertaken and invited further specific inputs from industry for government consideration.
Pharmaceutical Sector Engagement
Bengal Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals raised the possibility of reviving indigenous production of anti-snake venom, highlighting eastern India's distinct snake species and specific regional requirements. Dr Singh advised engagement with the West Bengal Health Ministry, emphasizing alignment with scientific and public-health requirements. A startup presented technologies for snakebite species identification and new antivenom solutions, with the Minister stressing the necessity of proper scientific validation and clinical trials through the West Bengal Health Ministry before wider adoption.
Ongoing Engagement Model
Dr Singh encouraged industry representatives to move from general discussions to specific, actionable requirements and assured government and scientific institution support for appropriate linkages. He emphasized that engagement should not remain restricted to formal events, inviting continuous industry interaction with concerned institutions. The model reinforced three key pillars: industry as partner from R&D inception, scientific institutions as technology enablers, and government as facilitator for technology commercialization and societal application.