Fund high-end R&D work under CSR, govt body urges private sector

MUMBAI: India's apex research facilitation body, Anu-sandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), has for the first time called on global industries and philanthropists to invest in research and development (R&D) through corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds.

While the private sector has been contributing to R&D, these investments are scattered and concentrated on academic research. Traditionally, CSR activities are oriented towards education, healthcare and agriculture, etc. ANRF has now urged in-dustry players to co-fund big-ticket, high-impact projects, with a special emphasis on translational research that can drive innovation to real-world applications. ticket research initiatives.

This is the first time a govt agency has officially sought collaboration with private players to support big-ticket research initiatives.

A senior central govt official said the top 100 listed Indian companies account for more than 50% of the count-ry's total CSR spending. "Even if 10% of funds are routed towards research, development and innovation, it could boost outcomes," the official said. He said indu-stries have been invited to participate through various schemes, with the govt plan-ning to hike contributions.

"The private sector is in-vesting in research, but much of it does not go to the next level, as it is not commercialised. Deep research needs a lot of funding. ANRF grants Rs 15 to Rs 50 crore for each project and we wish to co-fund these projects in collaboration with the private sector," said another official, adding the appeal is to colla-borate on projects which will also have a societal impact