Dr Sabyasachi Saha
Associate Professor, RIS
Dr Saha is an Associate Professor at the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), New Delhi since 2021. He has been an Assistant Professor at RIS (2014-2020) and a full-time Consultant at RIS during 2013-14. He specialises in innovation economics, trade and technology, international trade, technology and development policy.
Dr Sabyasachi Saha at the Defining Responsibility Framework, an India 2047 - Centre of Excellence Workshop
Dr Sabyasachi Saha
Associate Professor, RIS
Key Points
- Policymakers should adopt a holistic approach to development, considering frameworks like the SDGs and addressing environmental trade-offs.
- Efforts on harmonising development and climate change agendas, even amidst debates and challenges from developed countries.
- Promoting inclusive growth and leveraging digitalisation to leapfrog into Industry 4.0 for economic growth and prosperity.
- Investment in digital infrastructure, such as ONDC, is crucial for enhancing inclusion, innovation, and value addition across sectors.
- Investment in skills development and innovation ecosystems shall address shortages in skills and innovation.
- Regulations to strike a balance between fostering innovation and protecting public interests, with collaboration among researchers and practitioners to develop nuanced regulatory frameworks.
Recommendations
Holistic Approach to Development
- Policymakers should adopt a holistic perspective when addressing challenges, particularly considering frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This means integrating various objectives and addressing environmental trade-offs.
- Policymakers should prioritise strategies promoting inclusive and sustainable development in countries like India, where resource allocation can be constrained.
Harmonisation of Development and Climate Change
- Efforts should focus on harmonising development and climate change agendas, especially on international platforms like the G20.
- Sustainable and responsible consumption principles need to be integrated into policymaking despite challenges and debates from developed countries.
- India's leadership in advocating for principles like sustainable lifestyles for sustainable development at international forums should be recognised and continued.
Leveraging Digitalisation for Development
- India should embrace digitalisation to leapfrog into Industry 4.0, ensuring inclusive growth and shared prosperity.
- Accelerating the development and deployment of digital public infrastructure, such as the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), would enhance inclusion, innovation, and value addition across sectors.
- Investment in digital literacy and skills development is crucial to ensure that all segments of society can benefit from digitalisation, thereby reducing the digital divide.
Investment in Skills and Innovation
- Despite possessing significant talent in STEM fields, India faces shortages in skills and innovation.
- There is a need for increased investment in skills development programmes, innovation ecosystems, and collaborative research initiatives.
- Emphasis should be placed on creating a conducive environment for innovation, including establishing incubators, accelerators, and technology parks.
Balanced Regulatory Framework
- While regulation is necessary to ensure accountability and protect public interests, it should not stifle innovation or hinder economic growth.
- Researchers, academics, and practitioners should collaborate to develop a nuanced understanding of regulatory boundaries and best practices.
- Regulations should be flexible and adaptive, allowing for innovation while addressing emerging challenges such as data privacy, cybersecurity and ethical AI.
