Ease of Doing Research (EoDR) Survey 2025
The NITI Aayog-led Ease of Doing Research (EoDR) survey highlights challenges faced by researchers in India's R&D sector, focusing on proposal approvals, funding issues, and gender disparities.
Survey Demographics
- Participants: 878 responses from fellows of INSA, NASI, and central universities including IITs and NITs.
- Gender: 24.5% women and 75.5% men.
Funding Sources
- Government Funding:
- 52.5% received funds from DST.
- 37.7% from Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
- Private Funding: Only 13%, compared to higher percentages in US, South Korea, and Germany.
- Extra Mural Funding (EMF):
- 59.2% found the process highly competitive and effort-intensive.
- 15% considered EMF rarely accessible.
Industrial Funding
While industrial funding offers flexibility and autonomy, 76.4% reported it rarely supports R&D projects. The emphasis on quick market-ready results and lack of a standardised IPR-sharing mechanism hinder collaboration.
Funding Preferences
- 62.5% prefer government funding, particularly for basic research.
- 74% favor government over industrial funding.
- Applied research sees a divided preference between sources.
Challenges in Funding Process
- Proposal Approval: Average 7-15 months wait for approval/rejection.
- Disbursement Delays: Can take up to two years post-approval.
- Spending Issues: 39.9% unable to use funds timely due to delays.
Procurement and Scholarships
- 12.6% face over a year delay in procuring research equipment.
- 50% of scholarships take nearly a year to be disbursed.
Access to Funding
- 68% lack access to industry and CSR funding.
- 73% have no private foundation support.
- 60% miss out on international funding opportunities.
Women in STEM
While 93.5% have not taken a career break, 83% of those who did were women, highlighting gender disparities in career advancement.
