The Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India and the Science and Technology in Society (STS) forum, Japan organized a workshop on Monday to discuss and strengthen ongoing collaboration between the two countries in various research areas. Mechanisms to improve the partnership in the areas of infrastructure, manufacturing and high technology, including solar power generation, space, biotechnology and advanced materials were discussed at the day-long workshop. The role of innovation and research for Prime Minister Modi's 'Smart City' initiative were also discussed.
"India and Japan share a common vision of a sustainable future. The scintillating discussions today will help bridge the communication gap between different sectors and improve proficiency. The Government of India is committed to transforming India into a knowledge-based society and such collaborations will be instrumental in achieving the same," said Prof Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology.
It is important that R&D and business leaders exchange more information concerning mutual benefit areas of cooperation, establish joint research programs, and accelerate communication between younger scientists. The most promising areas of collaboration, effective ways to achieve the maximum potential from a product and prospective roles adopted by different sectors were among the prominent topics discussed.
Mr. Koji Omi, Founder and Chairman, STS forum, Japan said, "The Indian government has shown a keen interest in improving the country's research and development capacities. Innovation and research have proven time and again to be the driver of social and economic growth of a country. India has immense potential in the various research fields and we intend to work together to create sustainable solutions for the future."
In the past, Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has expressed his intention to support India's efforts by sharing its advanced skills and technologies and through active mobilization of Japanese public and private sector involvement. Mr. Abe has earlier commended Prime Minister Modi's 'Smart City' initiative, which requires high technologies, like Information and Communication Technology (ICT), intelligent communication system, renewable energy sources and its management, etc. A panel session was held to discuss the areas for innovation to be mobilized for realizing 'Smart Cities' and the role to be played by the public and private sectors.
"Japan and India have significantly strengthened bilateral scientific cooperation in the biological, chemical, physical and earth sciences over the years and meetings like the one organized today are the perfect setting for cross-pollination of ideas for the progress and development of both our countries' people," said Dr. K. Vijay Raghavan, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology.
The event was supported by the Japan External Trade Organization, the Confederation of Indian Industry and the Embassy of Japan.
Source: PRNewswire
