Funding Interdisciplinary Research in India : Current Status and Future Expectations

Purpose : The paper explored the prevalent need for interdisciplinary research; the current gap in interdisciplinary research funding in India, and the resulting insufficiency in both the volume of interdisciplinary research and the production of applicable research output in India. Methodology : The paper conducted descriptive research to explore the impact of a paucity of funding for interdisciplinary research on India’s intellectual performance. The information required for the study was collected from the websites of research funding agencies in India. For national and global comparisons, data was collected from articles published in reputed journals and published reports of the National Science Board (NSB) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Findings : The study found that despite publishing a respectable number of articles, India demonstrated a less-than-expected volume of applicable research output compared to China, Japan, and the United States of America. It also found that the percentage of interdisciplinary research proposals approved and funded in India was quite minuscule. However, the study did not delve into analytical methods to establish these facts. Practical Implications : The study recommended that the existing peer review system must be critically examined to ensure more funding for interdisciplinary research. It also recommended that interdisciplinary research be funded by established businesses that require innovative solutions so that the collaborations are tailored to fit the defined objectives and, therefore, generate applicable outputs. Originality : The paper delved into a relatively under-researched, albeit currently relevant area, and reported interesting findings that will trigger future research.