HP sets up Innovations Roadmap-2020 to push indigenous R&D

“The idea is to create an innovation ecosystem within the state. On lines of the IITs that have contributed to national research pool,the state may also set up institutions of scientific research and development in certain key sectors. Forty years after formation of the state,the need is now being felt to have a state-specific model of growth that adheres to the future need of adaptation to reduce pressure on environment and adaptation in each sector for balanced growth,” said a senior official of the state government.

Himachal Pradesh has been pivotal in drawing the attention of hill states and the Centre in the recent past for having a different model of development and growth for Himalayan states,with special focus on environment.

According to a recent notification by Principal Secretary,Planning,Ajay Tyagi,the heads of these key departments and academia,vice-chancellors of all three government universities — Himachal Pradesh University,Horticulture and Forestry University,Solan,and Agriculture University,Palampur — have been put on board the Innovation Council.

Key areas of the Innovations Roadmap-2020 are health,education,tourism,agriculture and administrative reforms,where the core objective will be to organise risk capital and then move for technological advancements.

Apart from mapping opportunities for innovation in Himachal,the council will look into the areas where young talent,local universities,colleges,medium-small scale industries and research and development institutes can be encouraged to be part of the state’s planning by making a database of local innovations.