(a) whether a decision has been taken by the Government and Germany to extend the duration of the Indo-German Science and Technology Centre (IGSTC);
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the objectives and the reasons for extending the duration of IGSTC along with the benefits likely to accrue as a result thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES
(SHRI.Y. S. CHOWDARY)
(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. A Joint Declaration between the Ministry of Science & Technology and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of Germany was signed on 5th, October 2015 to extend the tenure of the bilateral Indo-German Science and Technology Center, beyond March 2017 until 2022, with doubling of annual funding from existing €2 million to € 4 million from each side.
(c) IGSTC, since its inception in 2010, has been promoting Indo-German research partnership connecting academia and industry from both the countries on a “2+2 model” with the aim towards translation of research results into product/processes/services using public-private partnership. A formal review of IGSTC was also undertaken in September 2013 by a Joint Committee with experts from India and Germany. The committee appreciated the role of IGSTC and recommended its extension of duration till 2022 including expansion of its scope and funding.
The collaboration through the IGSTC will help strengthen industry- academia partnerships through joint research and development projects between India and Germany, leading to creation of new knowledge that has potential for industrial application and technological development.
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