Invest more on R&D for all-round development of nation: Pranab

Former President and Bharat Ratna awardee Pranab Mukheree on Saturday called upon universities, other educational institutions, multinational companies and government organisations to invest more on research for the overall development of the country.

Addressing a gathering after receiving the 39th Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM), a deemed-to-be university foundation award here, he said research and innovation were the key to tap the country's production potential.

"Our future growth will result not so much from the utilisation of our resources with existing technology as from its better use through more advanced technology," he said.

"Unfortunately, investment in research in our country is lacking. R&D expenditure as percentage of GDP is a mere 0.8 per cent inIndia," he said.

Compared to India, it is 3.6 per cent in Japan, 2.7 per cent in the US and 2 per cent in China. Now, it is the timefor the universities and educational institutions and others to invest more on research, Pranab said.

A healthy interface with the industry can benefit higher educational institutions in terms of involvement of industry, personnel in curriculum design and project guidance, sponsorship of chair positions and setting up a incubation centers and laboratories, he said.

"To imbibe a scientific temper and a spirit of inquiry in students, research at the undergraduate-level must be promoted," he said.