Mapping the Minds: India’s Research Clusters Redraw the Country’s Innovation Landscape

Image Source: Zee News

India is introducing a new era of scientific advancement by encouraging the research cluster structure-dynamic networks aimed at filling gaps between world-class institutions and nascent research centers throughout the country. This revolutionary strategy is transforming the nation's research landscape, making it more collaborative, inclusive, and competitive on the global stage.

Key Highlights:

Cluster Model Assumes Prominence: The just-launched ANRF Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) program links well-established institutions (hubs) with a maximum of seven newer ones (spokes), bringing about mentorship, sharing resources, and collaborative research. 18 institutions were designated as hubs and 106 as spokes among the 124 selected institutions, with 10 IITs, IISc Bengaluru, NIT Rourkela, and top universities as the initial hubs. Flagship clusters can be funded up to $11.8 million in five years to provide substantial support even to small organizations.
Science & Technology (S&T) Clusters: Funded through the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, there are seven running S&T Clusters (in Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Jodhpur, Pune, and Chandigarh) that bring together academia, industry, startups, and the government to address real-world problems-from clean energy to healthcare-through applied R&D and innovation.
Vigyan Dhara Scheme: The unified Vigyan Dhara scheme of the government with a budget of ₹10,579 crore (2021-26) consolidates major research programs to enhance infrastructure, human capacity, and translational research across the country, cultivating a new generation of innovators.
Strategic Impact: They are filling the research-implementation gap, fostering Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), and making India a science leader in the world. Increased funding, mentorship, and inter-disciplinary thrust are initiating a scientific publication, patent, and technology transfer boom.

India's research cluster policy is poised to hasten innovation, empower institutions across the country, and provide solutions to pressing national and global issues.

Sources: University World News, India Science and Technology, PIB, I-STEM