Bridging The Science-Policy Gap For Inclusive Growth In India

A growth paradigm that is not inclusive takes a toll on socio-economic fabric of the communities and burdens the economy in terms of log-term loss of skills and places future cost on economic growth. People also loose trust in the government and institutions. Technology, if it is inclusive, assures all beneficiaries are able to contribute to and benefit from the fruits of growth and development. Once a technological breakthrough is reached, there is growth and the results should percolate down to the base of the pyramid. It is generally felt that in India, several sections of the society have not realized significant benefits of science and technology (S&T) as well as major income growth for years. The gap between rich and poor has widened, and rich and elite people at the top capture the major 'lion's share' of economic growth. This has resulted in inequality, both income and otherwise be it education, life expectancy, health access, employment prospects or overall quality of life. In such background, S&T can play a key role in increasing the incomes of poor and excluded groups and raising their quality of life. S&T policy making for inclusive growth aligns collective voice, design, delivery and accountability for R&Dprograms and their outcomes throughout all sections of the society. The S&T outputs are also designed to create opportunities for all segments of the population and distribute the dividends of technology, both in monetary and non-monetary terms, fairly and equally across society.This book presents several evidence-based case studies where STI can be employed for creating equitable benefits and opportunities of economic growth for every section of society.As regulation paths in appropriate technology selection are longer and time consuming, the studies advocate for 'long-terming' of the programs and funding to increase inclusiveness in S&T landscape. This book will be useful for developing a solid base for STI Policy implementation by creating a dynamic network of scientists, technologist, economists, policymakers, elected representatives and citizens who believe in sound science and technology policy making for improving our quality of life.