This refers to the Q&A with J G Kulkarni "R&D and innovation find little place in Indian industry" (October 8). India is way behind countries like China, South Korea and Mexico in the field of research and development (R&D). To start with, academics and professionals in our country hardly show any interest in R&D. The shortage of people with doctorate degrees only adds to this problem. As a result, most research centres in India are running without talented research scholars.
It is only the public sector that is involved in R&D activities in India. But we need private participation to enhance competition in the field. Private players should wake up to the fact that research activities are the key to global opportunities and growth. For example, Glenmark has emerged as one of the well-known, research-based pharmaceuticals in India and its revenue has risen to $2.6 billion. Finally, a good amount of money should be earmarked for R&D activities because limited resources often come in the way of growth of research centres.
P Senthil Saravana Durai Mumbai
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