Department of Scientific and Industrial Research of the Ministry of Science and Technology DSIR

Overview

The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) is a pivotal agency under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. Established on January 4, 1985, through a Presidential Notification, DSIR's primary mandate is to foster indigenous industrial research and development (R&D), facilitate technology transfer and promote innovation across various sectors. Operating from Technology Bhavan, New Delhi, DSIR plays a crucial role in enhancing India's technological capabilities and industrial competitiveness.

History and Legal Framework

DSIR was constituted following the 164th Amendment of the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961. This amendment delineated the department's responsibilities, including promoting industrial R&D, managing the recognition of in-house R&D centers and overseeing schemes like the Patent Acquisition and Collaborative Research and Technology Development (PACE). The department's legal framework aligns with national policies aimed at strengthening the industrial research ecosystem and facilitating the commercialization of innovations.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

Mission: To invigorate industrial research in India through industry and institution-centric motivational measures and incentives, creating an enabling environment for the development and utilization of new innovations.

Vision: To enable India to emerge as a global industrial research and innovation hub.

Objectives:

• Promote indigenous industrial R&D and innovation.
• Facilitate technology transfer and commercialization of innovations.
• Enhance collaboration between industry and research institutions.
• Support the development of R&D infrastructure and human resources.
• Encourage the adoption of advanced technologies in industries.

Governance, Structure and Independence

DSIR operates under the Ministry of Science and Technology and is headed by a Secretary, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. The department's organizational structure includes various divisions responsible for specific functions such as policy formulation, R&D promotion, technology transfer and international cooperation. While DSIR functions within the framework set by the Government of India, it maintains a degree of autonomy to address the unique needs of the industrial research sector. The department collaborates with other ministries, public sector enterprises and private industries to implement its initiatives effectively.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation

While DSIR does not directly oversee the accreditation of educational institutions, it plays a significant role in enhancing the quality of industrial research and development. The department administers schemes like the Flexible Complementing Scheme (FCS) for scientists and the Scheme for Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industry and Entrepreneurship (ASPIRE), which aim to improve the quality of R&D activities. Additionally, DSIR supports the establishment of Centers of Excellence and facilitates partnerships between academia and industry to foster innovation and improve research outcomes.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

DSIR actively engages in international collaborations to enhance the global competitiveness of India's industrial research sector. It serves as the focal point for the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT) under the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP). Through this role, DSIR facilitates the establishment of networks of technology transfer intermediaries in the region, promoting cross-border business cooperation among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The department also participates in various bilateral and multilateral forums to share knowledge, best practices and foster international partnerships in industrial research and innovation.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

DSIR's initiatives have a significant impact on higher education, particularly in the fields of science, technology and engineering. By promoting industrial R&D and facilitating technology transfer, the department creates opportunities for academic institutions to engage in applied research and innovation. This collaboration enhances the relevance and quality of academic programs, aligns curricula with industry needs and improves the employability of graduates. Furthermore, DSIR's support for Centers of Excellence and research infrastructure development contributes to building a robust ecosystem for higher education and research in India.

Summary

The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research is a key agency under the Ministry of Science and Technology, dedicated to advancing industrial research and innovation in India. Through its mission to promote indigenous R&D, facilitate technology transfer and enhance collaboration between industry and academia, DSIR plays a vital role in strengthening the nation's industrial capabilities. Its governance structure, strategic initiatives and international engagements position DSIR as a central entity in India's pursuit of technological self-reliance and global competitiveness.

FAQs

• What is the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR)?
  DSIR is an agency under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, responsible for promoting industrial research and development, facilitating technology transfer and fostering innovation.
• When was DSIR established?
  DSIR was established on January 4, 1985, through a Presidential Notification under the 164th Amendment of the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961.
• What are the primary objectives of DSIR?
  DSIR aims to promote indigenous industrial R&D, facilitate technology transfer, enhance collaboration between industry and research institutions, support the development of R&D infrastructure and encourage the adoption of advanced technologies in industries.
• Who heads the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research?
  The department is headed by a Secretary, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer.
• Does DSIR oversee the accreditation of educational institutions?
  No, DSIR does not directly oversee accreditation but supports initiatives that enhance the quality of industrial research and development in academic institutions.
• How does DSIR collaborate internationally?
  DSIR serves as the focal point for the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT) under UN-ESCAP and engages in various international collaborations to promote technology transfer and innovation.
• What impact does DSIR have on higher education?
  DSIR's initiatives enhance the quality and relevance of academic programs by promoting applied research, fostering industry-academia collaboration and improving the employability of graduates.

Organization Name

Department of Scientific and Industrial Research of the Ministry of Science and Technology

Acronym

DSIR

Year of Establishment

1/01/1985

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Room No 2-A, Administrative Block Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road
New Delhi
110016 NCT of Delhi India

Phone

+91 (11) 2686 3805

Fax

+91 (11) 2652 9745

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

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Wikipedia Article

Department of Scientific and Industrial Research of the Ministry of Science and Technology's Wikipedia article

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