University Innovation Clusters. Draft Concept Paper

Abstract

This paper examines the need for seeding, strengthening and sustaining Innovation Clusters in Indian Universities. Universities are acknowledged as the knowledge and innovation torch bearers globally. Indian Universities are known to produce some of the brightest minds, yet fall short of expectations when we compare ourselves on innovation intensity and innovation capital with the rest of the world.Recognizing this, the National Innovation Council (NInC) has undertaken an effort to create University Innovation Clusters. This paper highlights the need for such clusters and proposes strengthening the innovation environment with Cluster Innovation Centres. These will spearhead multiple activities in the clusters and spur innovation activity, in their environment. The paper also introduces the Innovation Toolkit which will aid these innovation centres in their activities.