Management of “Habitat” needs-A Critical Aspect for Global Positioning of Indian Science

Abstract

Science and technology R&D in India faces several questions as to what ails it or why it lags behind the rest of the world despite having an ancient heritage and a large workforce. Ailment of Science in India impacts not only on the usual outcomes of R&D efforts but also on the innovations. Despite having one of the largest scientific manpower resources in the world, scientific R&D in India is however, far below its threshold on the originality and innovativeness scale.An “Organizational Quality Index†has been defined where minimal fiscal, infra-structural and spatio-temporal dimensions of an organization result in the best or the highest output and deliverable. An environment for outstanding research work or a “Habitat†impacts overall output and the Organizational Quality Index.Three levels of habitat factors, namely the foundation parameters like team work, strategic planning (vision, mission and mandates) and resources; other essential parameters such as R&D ambience, an opportunity for continued learning, a “step ladder†hierarchy rather than an “elevator hierarchy†are at the second level and finally we have four vital supports on which the entire habitat is structured and these include pride and respect in one’s work; transparency and fairness in the work and its management; honesty and integrity at work and actual work ethic that is upheld at all times. A “habitat†for scientists will enable a productive work-force with requisite support structures in place to nurture and sustain creativity, innovation and all path-breaking R&D activities not just for a niche recognition but also to make Indian scientists the worthy inheritors of an ancient science mandate that gave the number “zero†and the decimal place system to the world.
Keywords: Fox, Habitat, Hedgehog, Organizational Quality Index, Scientific R&D.