Science in the Global South: Overcoming Bureaucracy and Funding Gaps through Collaboration and 'Jugaad'
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Science and Technology (S&T Policy in India, R&D); International Relations (The Global South, South-South Cooperation).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (Governance & International Relations): Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability; Role of civil services in a democracy; Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India.
General Studies Paper 3 (S&T, Economy): Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life; Achievements of Indians in science & technology; Indian Economy and issues relating to mobilization of resources, growth, development.
Key Highlights from the News
Scientists in Global South countries like India and Kenya face administrative hurdles (bureaucratic red tape) and funding shortfalls more than scientific challenges.
Key problems faced by scientists:
Significant delays in obtaining research permits.
Strict and outdated rules for purchasing equipment (e.g., condition to buy only at the lowest price).
Fellowships and scholarships not reaching students and researchers on time.
To overcome these obstacles, scientists use "jugaad" or innovative shortcuts.
Some solutions they find in this situation:
Start research by creating temporary collaboration frameworks instead of waiting for official Memoranda of Understanding.
Instead of buying expensive equipment, send research samples to foreign labs for testing at a lower cost.
The article argues that South-South collaborations are necessary among Global South countries to collectively address these challenges.
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