Industry Leaders Must Team Up with Research Institutes, Says Jitendra Singh

When Jitendra Singh stepped onto the stage at the recent India Innovation Forum, he didn’t just talk about policy paperwork; he spoke with a clear, almost urgent tone about something that could reshape the country’s economic future – the need for industry to sit down, literally and figuratively, with research institutes.

"We have world‑class scientists, brilliant engineers, and cutting‑edge labs," he said, pausing as if to let the weight of those words settle. "But without the engine of industry to turn that knowledge into products, we’re just making pretty charts." That, he argued, is why CEOs and startup founders must move beyond occasional consultancy gigs and forge lasting partnerships with universities and public research bodies.

It’s not a brand‑new idea, of course. The minister reminded the audience of past successes – the collaboration that birthed India’s low‑cost ventilators during the pandemic, or the joint ventures that gave rise to affordable solar cells. Yet he warned that those were exceptions, not the rule. “Today, most research stays in journals, not in factories,” he remarked, his voice a mix of frustration and hope.

Why does this matter now more than ever? Singh pointed to three interlinked reasons. First, the global race for technology is intensifying, and without a steady pipeline from lab to market, India risks falling behind. Second, collaboration can slash the time and money needed to bring innovations to consumers – a boon for a nation hungry for jobs. Third, by aligning research agendas with real‑world problems, institutes can attract better funding and talent, creating a virtuous cycle.

He didn’t just hand out lofty slogans; the minister outlined concrete steps. He suggested tax incentives for companies that co‑fund research projects, a streamlined process for joint IP ownership, and a national portal where firms can post challenge statements that universities can pick up. "Think of it as a matchmaking service," he joked, eliciting a few chuckles, "only the stakes are higher."

Industry veterans in the audience seemed to nod. Rajesh Mehta, CEO of a mid‑size biotech firm, shared how a recent partnership with a state university led to a breakthrough in vaccine delivery that saved his company millions. "It’s not just about money," he said, "it’s about credibility and speed. When a university backs your claim, investors listen."

Still, challenges loom. Issues around intellectual property, differing timelines, and cultural gaps between corporate and academic worlds can stall progress. Singh acknowledged these hurdles, urging both sides to develop “trust frameworks” – essentially clear rules of engagement that protect each party’s interests.

In the end, the message was simple: collaboration isn’t a nice‑to‑have; it’s a must‑have. As Singh concluded, "If we want India to be a leader, not a follower, industry and research must walk hand in hand." The onus now lies with CEOs, lab directors, and policymakers to turn that vision into everyday practice.