STI in the era of new normal – Survey report on public attitude by Office of PSA and IIT Madras Alumni Association

A disruptive phenomenon like the COVID-19 pandemic gives rise to a state of new normal. The pandemic has highlighted the dependencies of socio-economic problems on innovative and disruptive scientific evolutions. In this new normal, the world is witnessing a transformation. The post-COVID-19 pandemic era, the new normal, is an era full of challenges, agility, curiosity, risk assessment, and mitigation, learning by exploring and doing, and centralized focus, is highly expected. There is an immense and urgent need to understand the role of Science and Technologies in this transforming world during the new normal.
 
In this context, a study has been conducted by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to Government of India, in collaboration with IIT Madras Alumni Association, on India's public attitude to Science and Technology vis-à-vis the new normal. The study provides an insight into the public perceptions of emerging technologies. The public in India demonstrates a sense of resilience and optimism about the future and repose their faith in science and technology to make their lives better. This survey investigates the new normal of work and opportunities through research and development in science, technology, and innovation. It is trusted that this study will be a useful input into the science and technology planning process for India.
 
 
“This is a very timely report as it resonates with various ideas of the draft science, technology, and innovation policy (STIP). The inferences will strengthen the consensus to scale-up the mission-mode schemes, pushing the envelope for development and deployment of frontier disruptive technologies further.”

 - Prof. K VijayRaghavan
Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India

 
 
“This insightful report bolsters the confidence and trust of the citizenry in soft prowess of S&T.”

- Dr. Arabinda Mitra 
 Scientific Secretary, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India

 
To access the full report
 
For any queries, contact co-author of the report: Dr. Sapna Poti (Programme Director, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, Government of India) at sapna.poti@gov.in