Government Focussed on Making India an R&D Hub: Dharmendra Pradhan

04 September 2023: New technologies will be a harbinger of new order and India with its vast talent pool is at the forefront of this new order, said Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister of Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India at the session on “Aligning Education to Emerging Imperatives” at the B20 Summit India 2023. Focussing on the theme of R.A.I.S.E – Responsible, Accelerated, Innovative, Sustainable and Equitable Businesses – the event is being organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the B20 India Secretariat, from 25-27 August 2023 at New Delhi.

Pradhan emphasised that, India is witnessing a path breaking scenario in skilling and entrepreneurship. It is the third largest startup ecosystem in world with 100 unicorns driven not only from metro cities but also from tier 2 and 3 cities.

Pradhan also informed that Government’s key focus is to make India an R&D hub and not just a backend office for companies. By strengthening educational institutions, incubators and accelerators, we are strengthening the research and innovation system. Government is focussed not only on “ease of doing business but also ease of doing research”, said Pradhan.

Speaking on the New Education Policy (NEP 2020), Pradhan stated that NEP has Indian roots while also being futuristic, based on the knowledge of both Indian culture and new technology. With NEP, we are imparting cutting-edge skills & knowledge including courses in coding, AI, semiconductors & drone technologies.

Pradhan urged the industry to collaborate and build a realistic partnership and create a mechanism of industry academia collaboration to create a vibrant interface between Indian talent pool and skill needs of industry.

Atul Keshap, Senior Vice President, US Chamber of Commerce and President, US-India Business Council, USA, congratulated and complimented the Indian government for its vison not only for India but for the entire world.