Page 102 - DCAP405_SOFTWARE_ENGINEERING

Unit 6: Requirement Engineering

Notes
particularly in according due recognition, the lack of adequate funding and infrastructure,
and the disparity in research funds and facilities available to universities. Further, the
long-time policy of target-oriented research in selected thrust areas, as against open-
ended research, has often come at the cost of the basic sciences. It is common knowledge
that research in basic sciences is a critical prerequisite for the success of applied sciences
and the bedrock of all technological advancement.
Way Forward
The key to continued success for India in a globalised knowledge-driven economy is
building a higher education system that is superior in quality and committed
encouragement of relevant research in science and technology. What is needed is an
environment where the government, universities, companies, venture capitalists, and
other stakeholders come together for the enablement of the entire science ecosystem with
an eye on future sustainability.
A manifold increase in the country’s investment in scientific research is only the beginning.
The government must play a key role by enhancing the number, quality, and management
of science schools focussed on science research. Given the present government’s direction,
this is something that could come to pass over the next few years. The IIT model of success
needs to be replicated on a far larger scale. Providing the requisite autonomy to research
institutions is an important necessity. Professors, scientists, and institution heads are
often the people best informed on the necessary conditions required for the advancement
of research goals. They must be enabled with the autonomy to create those conditions.
With industry often being the downstream beneficiary of several research efforts, increased
interaction between industry and research establishments is important. There needs to be
a sound incentive system for the corporate sector involved in scientific R&D as well, with
infrastructure and financial benefits, as is the case with the IT industry. This includes
viable incentives such as tax breaks for corporate R&D efforts and special economic zones
and technology parks for R&D establishments.

In an age where issues of research interest are often global in nature, we must encourage
active interaction and exchange with international research institutions. Cross-continental
research cooperation and knowledge sharing was at the base of the story of the three
winners of the Chemistry Nobel for 2009, among who was Dr Venkataraman Ramakrishnan,
of Indian origin. Creating partnerships with relevant peer institutions in India and abroad,
hosting events and conferences and getting eminent researchers and scientists to shed
light on progress in key research areas and supporting related publications — these
measures will go a long way not only in enriching India’s research eco-system but also in
enticing potential young researchers to the cause.
For instance, it should be a practice to invite Nobel Prize winners or similar eminent
international scientists for seminars with selected young research minds and students in
India at least annually. This could prove a valuable source of insight and inspiration to
young potentials. In this regard, I would suggest the creation of an institution like the
National Science Foundation, endowed with a suitable corpus from key public and private
stakeholders, conferred with the responsibility of regularly undertaking such initiatives.
The importance of rewards and recognition for scientific research cannot be understated
as a measure to encourage talented youngsters to consider careers in research. There is a
need to recognise and applaud the accomplishments of our researchers and scientists, just
as we applaud the achievements of our sportspersons. This must include measures such as
financial support to encourage students to adopt research careers, suitable incentives, and

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