National Intiative for Design Innovation

The Ministry of Human Resource Development has launched a National Initiative for Design Innovation in the Twelfth Plan. Under this initiative, 20 new Design Innovation Centres (DIC), one Open Design School (ODS) and a National Design Innovation Network (NDIN), linking together all these schools, are proposed to be set up at a total estimated cost of Rs.240 crores. 20 DICs are proposed to be co-located in existing publicly funded institutes of national repute like IITs, NITs, central and state universities, to facilitate optimal utilization of the existing resources including faculty and land. Each of the DICs is proposed to be provided a financial support to the extent of Rs.10 crores, covering areas from Science & Technology to Liberal Arts. ODSs are expected to ensure maximum reach of design education and practice in the country through various collaborative education programmes (linking a broad spectrum of educational institutions), and free sharing of its courseware through the Internet. NDIN is expected to be a network of design schools that work closely with other leading institutions of industry and academia, NGOs and government to further the reach and access of design education, to promote design innovation in all sectors, and to develop wide-ranging collaborative projects between institutions.