DST – Centre for Society and Policy

The DST- Centre for Policy Research (DST-CPR) at the Indian Institute of Science was established in August 2014 with two broad goals, viz., (i) studying policies and mechanisms that can help increase the research impact of Indian institutions and thereby improve their position in global rankings and (ii) critically examining the different funding mechanisms and their efficacy in raising the research impact of Indian institutions. The Centre’s work towards these goals has multiple facets, including a scientometric study to access how well Indian institutions perform in various fields of scientific research.

OPSA – Policy Analytics and Insights Unit

The Policy Analytics and Insights Unit (PAIU) was established in January 2023 by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (OPSA) to the Government of India, at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. The Unit serves as a specialised, data-driven policy interface to strengthen the analytical efforts of OPSA in delivering evidence-based inputs to national and international science, technology, and innovation initiatives.

The overarching vision of the PAIU is to enable data-driven, forward-looking, and context-specific policy support, while simultaneously fostering long-term capacity in policy research, systems thinking, and strategic foresight within the Indian ‘science-policy’ ecosystem. Its dual mandate is to respond to the immediate and emerging policy analytics needs of OPSA and to act as a continuous learning and capacity-building hub for science and technology policy and governance in India.

Bio-Responsibility

Bio-Responsibility is a policy research and training initiative addressing emerging biological risks in India’s rapidly evolving life sciences landscape. The project integrates interdisciplinary research, training, and policy engagement to strengthen biosafety, biosecurity, and responsible innovation. It aims to build long-term national and global resilience against accidental and deliberate biological threats.

AI Policy

The project titled “Understanding India’s Perspective on AI Policy and Governance”, conducted at the Centre for Society and Policy from November 2024 to December 2025, focused on developing a comprehensive understanding of India’s AI ecosystem and its positioning within the global AI technology value chain. The core objective was to undertake a detailed landscaping exercise to map key stakeholders, sectoral developments, and technological capabilities, while situating India within the broader global AI landscape.

The project delivered an in-depth analysis of both opportunities and challenges arising from India’s distinctive position in the AI value chain. It further generated nuanced insights into AI governance by examining regulatory frameworks alongside technological advancements, contributing to a more holistic understanding of policy approaches, institutional capacities, and strategic priorities shaping India’s AI trajectory.