Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP 2020)

STIP 2020 has been formulated with an aim to bring around a new outlook and strategy for Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI). It is India’s 5th STIP and is being brought around at the testing times of COVID-19 pandemic. 

In this article, we shall discuss in detail the objectives of the policy, along with the need for an effective and innovative Science and Technology initiative. 

Aspirants preparing for the upcoming IAS Exam go through the STIP 2020 carefully, as questions based on the same may be asked in the GS-II and III papers, under the Science and Technology syllabus. 

Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2020:-Download PDF Here

Key Objectives of Science Technology and Innovation Policy 2020

Since it is the 5th STIP of India, the Government of India intends to innovate policies, missions, and schemes which can benefit the science and technology-based developments in the country.

Given below are the key points which one must know regarding STIP 2020:

• The Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy, 2020 formulation process will be facilitated jointly by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India (Office of PSA), and the Department of Science and Technology (DST)
• This policy has been formulated with a decentralized, bottom-up, and inclusive design process, aiming to restrategize priorities, sectoral focus, and methods of research and technology development for larger socio-economic welfare
• With the COVID-19 pandemic and its adverse effects on the economy and life, STIP 2020 has been designed with the integration of GoI’s Atmanirbhar Bharat. Research, development, science and technology workforce, institutions, etc. 
• An engaging national policy-making process has been initiated, with an aim to gather input and manage outreach. A six-level initiative has been introduced:
  • In Conversation with – Interviews with experts and leaders in various capacities to provide inputs for the policy
  • Across the Table – 16 panel discussions will be held to hear out different perspectives from the expert 
  • Policy Compass – Policy Compass is a dedicated platform through which people can give their suggestions, views, and ideas in the formation of policy
  • Open Letter – To spread awareness, open letter will be published in multiple languages to invite ideas from various parts of the country
  • Thoughts for India – It is a podcast series in partnership with community radios across the country where awareness shall be raised about the science policy
  • Ideathon – It is a competition where participants will be encouraged to share concepts or ideas regarding the STI ecosystem and how the policy should be addressing it

Aspirants can also visit the Mission Innovation page and know more about this international initiative to accelerate public and private clean energy innovation and issues. 

STIP 2020 – The 4 Tracks

The Government and the authorising bodies have finalised a participative model with four interconnected tracks. Discussed below are the same:

• Track 1: Extended public and expert consultation – aims to create a repository of public voices that will act as a guiding force for the drafting process
• Track 2: Thematic group consultation – consultations comprises 21 expert-driven thematic collectives to feed evidence-based recommendations into the policy drafting process
• Track 3: Ministries and State consultation – brings together Ministries and States in extensive engagement through nominated nodal officers
• Track 4: Apex Level Multi-Stakeholder consultation – is the binding force that draws upon apex level multi-stakeholder engagement at the national and global levels

Last Four Science, Technology and Innovation Policies

Before STIP 2020, four other science-based policies had been released. Given below is brief information about each of the past four STIPs:

• Scientific Policy Resolution 1958
  • The main aim was to foster, promote and sustain, the cultivation of science and scientific research
• Technology Policy Statement 1983
  • This was the time when the Government wanted to attain self-reliance and attain technological competence
  • The main aim was to integrate programs of the socio-economic sector and to introduce the innovation of national innovation system
• Science and Technology Policy 2003
  • This policy focussed on bringing investment and innovation to the forefront and showcased the benefits of science and technology in the country
• Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2013
  • This was the first time that the paradigm was set as “science, technology, and innovation”

Timeline for STIP 2020

The preparatory work to set up the Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy 2020, had started in 2019 and was completely approved by the required authorities by January 2020. 

Given below is an image, from the official website, describing the timeline set by the authorities to released and start working as per the STIP 2020 guidelines:

Science and Technology is one of those fields where India can grow more and bring in innovative changes. All the S&T developments form an important part of the IAS syllabus, and candidates can get the detailed Science & Technology Notes For UPSC at the linked article. 

Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2020:-Download PDF Here

All government exam aspirants can also check the best Preparation Strategy Tips for Competitive Exams at the linked article as accordingly start their preparation.

For more exam updates, study material, and notes, aspirants can turn to BYJU’S for expert assistance.