Question : Global Innovation Index

(a) whether the Government had set up a Task Force on innovation in a bid to enhance the innovation ecosystem and to improve the country’s ranking in the Global Innovation Index (GII) and if so, the details and the outcome thereof;

(b) the position of India’s ranking in the list of Global Innovation Index during each of the last three years and the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to improve its position in GII;

(c) whether the lack of talent and inadequate skills is restricting business ability to innovate efficiency; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor along with the corrective measures taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

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THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
(SHRI C.R. CHAUDHARY)

(a): Yes, Madam. A Task Force on Innovation was set up in 2016 to strengthen the eco-system of innovation in the country, and to improve India’s ranking in Global Innovation Index (GII). The task force has suggested measures for improving India’s rank in each of the 82 indicators of GII. The recommendations include changes in methodology from perception-based indicators to objective ones, promoting industry-academia collaboration in R&D, emphasis on science & engineering education, improving business environment and ease of doing business, etc.

(b): In the 2017 GII Report, India ranks 60th on the GII out of 130 countries. This is an improvement of 21 places from the 81st rank in 2015, and 6 places from the 66th rank in 2016. Government of India has undertaken various steps to improve India’s ranking in GII, which inter alia include steps taken to strengthen the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) regime and the innovation eco-system in the country, as also to improve the ease of doing business climate in India. Thus, IP processes have been re-engineered and manpower augmented to reduce the backlog in IP applications. The Startup India initiative also includes steps to support incubators and facilitation of startups. Research Parks have been set up for industry-academia collaboration in R&D. Various initiatives like simplification of process of registration of a company, implementation of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, Digital India and Skill India have also been undertaken.

(c) & (d): The ability of a business to innovate depends on a number of factors, including the availability of manpower with requisite skills and talent. As such, lack of talent and inadequate skills restrict the ability of a business to innovate and improve its efficiency. The Government of India has taken a number of steps to enhance the innovation eco-system in the country. The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is implemented by the Niti Aayog, under which incubators and tinkering labs are established / upgraded across academic institutions. Under the Startup India initiative, funds are provided under the `Fund of Funds’ through SIDBI to venture capital funds to promote innovation and startups. In addition, other initiatives like National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) by the Department of Science & Technology, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna (PMKVY) and National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) by the Ministry of Skill Development etc. also contribute to skill upgradation and innovation in the country.

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