Sam Pitroda@: Sankalp 2011: Government approves creation of a Digital Knowledge network: earmarks 2billion dollars for the same

Government approves creation of a Digital Knowledge network: earmarks 2billion dollars for the same. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) May 07, 2011 - Sankalp 2011, Mumbai - Sam Pitroda, addressing the gathering of investors and social entrepreneurs at Sankalp 2011, Indias largest social enterprise platform, inspired the audience with his views on innovation.

Presently the head of the National Innovation Council, Sam Pitroda spoke of the need to create the right kind of ecosystem with risk capital, appreciation for innovation a dedicated network of people and institutions, digital connectivity, affordability and durability to create an environment for innovation.

He said, "with the help of CII, industry groups and FICCI we have identified 50 sectors for innovation. We aim to connect these sectors with the right university research program. Examples would be pockets such as Surat, Madurai, Rajkot, Bhutala that represent innovation in auto parts, textiles, pharmaceuticals etc would need incubation centres''

Elaborating further on the Digital Knowledge Network, he remarked that India needs Public Information Infrastructure, roads to connect universities, a digital knowledge network that enables institutions to share information for inclusive growth and development. This will be enabled by two major high fibre optic cables of high capacity and bandwidth. India is a country of 800 billion cell phones, 70 billion dollars of IT exports and yet the connectivity is poor. Small young entrepreneurs from rural areas need local solutions; local talent, connectivity and resources in local languages. So while there is a great deal of innovation in India, one is unable to scale these innovations due to lack of public information infrastructure.

The digital knowledge network, along with UID, procurement systems, payment systems and security and portals, will involve an outlay of nearly 15- 20 bn in the next 5 yrs, as a public-private partnership. This alone can really bring the 300 million people below the poverty line into mainstream .

There is also need for an 'innovation tool kit' that will enable SMEs to understand the true meaning of intellectual property. It will include training, patterns, patents and ideas for inclusive growth.

Mr. Pitroda also lamented the fact that out of the 3000 hits on www.nkn.in (national knowledge network), 2000 are from outside of India. The National Knowledge Commission (http://www.knowledgecommission.gov.in/) website is available in 10 different Indian languages. Entrepreneurs and interested parties should reach out to the enabling ecosystem by writing in to these sites.

Mr. Pitrodas address was in line with the Prime Minister's 'Decade of Innovation 2010-2020 National Innovation Policy' to promote innovation in all walks of life. The National Innovation Council has 16 members and Pitroda chairs that council in the rank of a cabinet minister. Earlier, Pitroda was involved with the Knowledge Commission that aimed at reforming education system.

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