Question 1 · 10 marks · 177 words written
Opening · a definition
Knowledge economy refers to an economic system based on research and innovation, characterised by IPR regime, high-tech production etc. STEM can help India achieve this.
Body · points
Need to democratise
(i) Presently, dominated by male. more than 80% of scientist are male.
- Female are under-represented.
(ii) Funding is only 0.7% of GDP (Israel-4.1%), out of which only 20% private.
- Need to include private sector.
(iii) Cluster of STEM in top universities
- eg IISc bangalore.
• others such as NIT lag behind. (iv) research only in certain sectors (eg) IT, space. • Need to democratise to Nano-tech, chemicals (API).
How to democratise
(i) more funding by public sector - send signal to private industries. • Also autonomy to sector eg ISRO. (ii) Increase workforce eg KIRAN policy for female to bring new perspective. (iii) Remove academia - industry mismatch and promote collaboration to promote research. (iv) Centre for excellence to be set up for HYV crops, API etc. to increase sectors.
Close · a summary
In this manner, democratisation of STEM can improve India's economy by increasing employment, export and income.