The IIT Delhi School of Public Policy engages in questions at the intersection of Science, Technology, Innovation (STI) and Development with the aim of producing cutting-edge research, training the next generation of policy professionals, and contributing to the improvement of policy processes in India and beyond.
Our specific objectives include:
- Carrying out world-class research on a range of topics that relate to the production and use of scientific and technical knowledge for developmental goals in a changing global and domestic context;
- Developing policy proposals to address specific developmental challenges as well as strategies for their implementation;
- Engaging with high-level policy makers on ‘policy needs,’ implementation strategy, and monitoring & assessment;
- Promoting public dialogue with citizens, academics, and policy makers on policy and societal implications of major scientific and technological changes;
- Helping build local capacity for policy analysis and implementation through the training of the next generation of scholars and practitioners and through the upgrading of the skills of existing personnel;
- Enhancing IIT Delhi’s educational offerings, research profile, as well as social impact.
First of a Kind
India is faced with a number of significant existing or emerging societal challenges – economic development, provision of health services, environmental protection, food security – that are key to its future. Many of these challenges, if not all, have a major science , technology and innovation (STI) element, whether it is underpinning economic growth through innovation, enhancing energy access and delivery through renewable technologies, improving health outcomes through public health infrastructure and new vaccines, or meeting the challenges of food security, livelihoods, and sustainability through improved agricultural practices and technologies.
While India does have some policy research capacity in academic and other institutions, the predominant focus is on social and economic dimensions, whereas policy analysis on science and technology dimensions has remained relatively underdeveloped (at least in relation to the need). STI policy analysis, as exists in India today, remains relatively underserved in many pressing areas of concern.
Therefore, in the Indian context (as in most other developing countries), such policy analytical expertise is much needed, given the enormous breadth of issues facing policy makers and It also is particularly important to locate such analytical activities in academic institutions to enhance independent research capacity, to engage students on such issues, and to eventually develop a cadre of young policy analysts and practitioners with strong disciplinary moorings but with the ability to think broadly.
The establishment of a major STI-oriented policy program at IIT Delhi as a School of Public Policy (SPP) - the first of its kind in India - aims to add significantly to policy-analytical capabilities in the country, with a special, and much-needed, focus on issues with a scientific and technical content, and couple this work to decision-making processes at the local, national, and international levels.
The School also strengthens IIT Delhi’s position as a uniquely impactful institution in the country and enhances the education of its students, its research and outreach activities, as well as emerging programs such as those involving innovation and entrepreneurship.