Chandigarh, July 27, 2025:The Northern Region Science and Technology Cluster (PI-RAHI), in collaboration with the PANJ Foundation, organized a Regional Seminar on Innovation Index Frameworks: Bolstering Development at Global, National and Subnational Levels at Panjab University’s Golden Jubilee Hall. The event brought together global experts, national strategists, and regional innovation leaders to deliberate on strengthening India's innovation architecture through more contextual, inclusive, and data-driven frameworks.

The seminar was inaugurated by PU Vice Chancellor and Chairperson, PI-RAHI, Prof. Renu Vig, who also delivered the Presidential Address. She reaffirmed PU’s role as a regional innovation anchor and highlighted PI-RAHI’s mandate to enable science, technology, and innovation ecosystems across Northern India, covering Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Chandigarh.

The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Soumitra Dutta, Peter Moores Dean and Professor at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, and the architect of the Global Innovation Index.

Prof. Dutta highlighted the dynamic global innovation landscape and the increasing role of education, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship in shaping resilient economies.

Dr. Amit Kapoor, Honorary Chairman, Institute for Competitiveness, presented insights on the India Innovation Index developed in collaboration with NITI Aayog. He underscored the need for data-driven regional strategies and noted, “Innovation is not just about technology but also about mindset. States like Chandigarh have shown promise, but we must invest in institutional capacity and infrastructure to sustain long-term innovation outcomes.”

From a regional lens, Dr. Jatinder Kaur Arora, Advisor to PI-RAHI and PANJ Foundation, spotlighted the role of grassroots innovations and local partnerships in addressing regional disparities. “Clusters like PI-RAHI are enabling science-led development by strengthening institutional and community linkages,” she said.

The panel discussion, moderated by Ms. Neha Arora, Chief Operating Officer, PI-RAHI, and Mr. Anmol, CEO of PANJ Foundation, featured a powerful exchange among Dr. Kapoor, Dr. Arora, Dr. Dapinder Kaur Bakshi (Joint Director, PSCST), Mr. Naman Singhal (CEO, AIC-ISB), and Mr. Vikram Singh (CEO, Antier). Panelists stressed the importance of subnational metrics, grassroots inclusion, and industry-academia collaborations to build adaptive and inclusive innovation ecosystems.

The seminar concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Vishal Chaudhary, Scientist-F, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to supporting regional innovation through evidence-based STI frameworks and institutional convergence.

Prof. Rajat Sandhir, Director, PI-RAHI, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the exceptional support from academia, government, and industry, and reiterating PI-RAHI’s mission to foster a science-led innovation culture across Northern India.