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CHAPTER 289

CAPACITY Building

Introduction

In order to ensure that there is high value added in the economy, capacity building, skill enhancement
and development of Science and Technology has to be emphasized as they provide the foundation
for high productivity of all resources.Since capital is scarce, its optimum use has also to be ensured
through good project structuring and management. In this chapter, cross cutting issues which impact
on all other sectors of the economy are discussed.

Section 1
Scientific Services & Research

The Indian Science sector is witnessing a new growth momentum in the recent years. On the one
hand, the relative position of India has improved in terms of its Science output and publications.
However, on the other hand, we need to achieve global standards in areas like Innovation system,
Inventiveness in our basic sciences etc. For a country of the size of India, with a robust scientific
infrastructure and a vast pool of trained scientific manpower, the productivity gains from a hike in
R&D spending could be huge. Many developed and emerging economies have been investing 2 per
cent and more of their GDP in the R&D sector for quite some time now. And it is now well understood
that India has to invest much more than 1 percent of GDP in R&D.

7.2 S&T in Kerala contributes to not only enhanced economic development, but also balanced and
sustainable growth by generating income and employment opportunities. R&D activities in the govt
sphere are undertaken not only by dedicated institutions but also by the line departments. Rural
Industrialisation of the non-traditional kind and self employment are two critical areas identified in the
Approach Paper of Kerala’s 11th Plan. Significant points identified in the Approach paper of Kerala’s
12th Plan are – encouraging high quality R&D, effectively showcasing Technology developments in
India and abroad to facilitate S&T based industries, special attention to marine biotechnology etc.
Energy, water management, farm production, medical research, waste disposal, health care, and
communications are some areas where S&T inputs and innovations can bring a significant change
in Kerala society.

7.3 The Annual Plan allotment to ‘Science, Technology & Environment’ in Kerala has increased
from ` 150.25 crores in 2007-08 to ` 446.52 crores in 2012-13. During 2013-14, the allocation was
` 534.43 crores, which is 3.14 percent of the total Plan allocation. Kerala has accorded high priority
to the sector in the Annual Plans. A brief comparison is provided in Appendix 7.1.

Economic Review 2014