TAG: GS-3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
CONTEXT: The Union Minister of Science and Technology recently celebrated the first Foundation Day of the Council of Biotechnology Research and Innovation council (BRIC).
EXPLANATION:
About the Biotechnology Research and Innovation council (BRIC):
- The Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) is an autonomous body under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.
- It has been formed by subsuming 14 Autonomous Institutions (AIs) under it.
This has been done to provide centralized and unified biotech governance across the country. - It aims to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and research within the biotechnology sector in India. It plays a crucial role in supporting research, facilitating translational science, and enabling innovation for national development.
Key Functions and Initiatives of the BRIC
- Promotion of Biotechnology Research: BRIC provides grants, fellowships, and other funding opportunities to researchers and institutions. This promotes advancements in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, environment, and industrial biotechnology.
- Supporting research to improve crop yield, resistance to pests, and sustainable agricultural practices.
- Promoting research in bioremediation, waste management, and sustainable solutions for environmental challenges.
- Healthcare Biotechnology: Facilitating the development of new vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments for diseases.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): BRIC fosters collaboration between public institutions, industry, and academia to drive research projects that have both societal and commercial impact. These partnerships accelerate product development and market entry.
- Capacity Building: BRIC focuses on skill development by supporting various training programs, workshops, and fellowships. This helps build a skilled workforce equipped with expertise in advanced biotech areas.
- Biotechnology Clusters and Incubators: BRIC supports the establishment of biotechnology clusters and incubators across the country, which act as hubs for research, development, and innovation. These clusters provide infrastructure, resources, and networking opportunities for biotech researchers and entrepreneurs.
- Regulatory and Policy Support: BRIC works closely with the government to shape policies and regulations that promote biotechnology research and commercialization, making it easier for innovative biotech solutions to reach the market.
- Encouraging the development of bio-based products and processes that enhance industrial productivity and sustainability.
Significance of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation council:
The Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) plays a pivotal role in advancing India’s biotechnology sector, contributing to the country’s economic growth, public health improvements, and sustainable development.
- Driving Innovation and Economic Growth: BRIC enables the commercialization of biotechnology innovations through funding and support, transforming research into viable products and solutions. This drives the biotech industry’s growth, contributing to the overall economy.
- Advancing Agricultural Biotechnology for Food Security: BRIC’s support for agricultural biotechnology research helps develop high-yield, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient crops, crucial for food security amid climate challenges.
- Research advancements promoted by BRIC contribute to sustainable agricultural practices that benefit farmers and ensure food availability for India’s growing population.
- Capacity Building and Skill Development: BRIC invests in training and capacity-building programs, enhancing the scientific and technical skills needed for advanced biotechnology research. This fosters a skilled workforce and strengthens the biotechnology talent pool in India.
- Shaping Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: It helps create a favourable environment for biotech investments, easing the pathway for innovative biotech solutions to reach the market, thereby encouraging greater private-sector involvement.
Source:
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2072047
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