Unmet Data Needs: Barriers to Policy Making and National Growth

India's vast higher education ecosystem, plays a critical role in shaping the nation's future through research and innovation.For its further betterment efficient and effective policies are required.However, a key barrier to effective policymaking is the limited accessibility of institutional data.Despite the growing need for evidence-based policies to drive national growth in science and technology, researchers often face resistance from academic institutions due to a lack of trust and transparency.This disconnect impedes datadriven decision-making and hinders collaboration between academia and policymakers.The paper advocates for formal government intervention to authorize data-sharing through official communication and structured frameworks.Addressing these challenges is essential to empower policy researchers, promote innovation, and ensure India's progression toward becoming a global leader in science, technology, and Innovation.