Introduction

The “Knowledge to Equity” initiative, promulgated by the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, aims to catalyze the journey from inventive ideas to societal impact. Through this policy order (O.M. No. 3/3/2009-TU/V, dated 25 May 2009), the Government underscores its commitment to fostering the development, protection, and commercialization of innovations emerging from publicly funded research.

At its core, the initiative envisions a more equitable knowledge ecosystem—one where discoveries, inventions, and innovations generated in government labs, research institutions, and universities migrate into applications, industries, and public use. It seeks to improve access, translation, and benefit-sharing of scientific knowledge, particularly in areas of public interest.

Key Objectives & Vision

• Promote commercialization: Encourage the transfer of technologies from labs to market, reducing the gap between invention and impact.
• Incentivize inventors & institutions: Provide support and clarity on ownership, licensing, and revenue sharing to encourage researchers to convert ideas into innovations.
• Ensure public good access: Especially in sectors like energy, environment, health, agriculture, the policy ensures that the public interest is safeguarded when knowledge is deployed.
• Transparency & accountability: Mandate reporting, monitoring, and oversight to ensure fair and responsible administration of knowledge transfer.