Emerging Technology Intervention
Model of Core Support for Inclusive
Rural Growth:
Social–Economic–Ecological Interface
Building Through Innovative Scalable
Solutions and Effective Delivery
Mechanism
Sunil K. Agarwal
Abstract Present paper highlights through case studies about the field level experiences in implementing unique program of Core Support under TARA scheme of
Department of Science and Technology (DST) to address the emerging challenges
of inclusive growth at the grassroots level. Paper discusses about possible adaptation
strategies, various factors and actors involved in effective governance and towards
improved ecosystem services and rural livelihoods to reduce vulnerabilities with
scalable and affordable technological interventions for rural growth. Paper also discusses and analyzes cutting-edge practices in providing affordable technology access
including innovative delivery mechanism with local institutional arrangements at the
grassroots level though a network of S&T-NGOs. Analysis of their work for adaptive
Research and Development (R&D) on efficient use of resources and in renewable
energy and environment sector evidently shows that as a process mechanism it is
important to strengthen local knowledge, innovation capacity, and practices within
social and ecological systems for successful adoption of innovations under rural settings. It clearly suggests that DST’s Core Support Model for S&T-NGOs evolved in
India provide excellent opportunities for inclusive innovations to make a more meaningful contribution to society through technology driven developmental initiatives.
Paper further suggests that policy level interventions are needed to have more such
S&T-NGOs across the country with enabling environment to crate vibrant ecosystem for visible transformation in rural areas through scalable technological solutions.
This needs to be promoted for technology led growth strategies based on diversification in rural economies taking into account local resources and needs. Such “System
Approach” will enable to innovate and deliver need-based technological solutions to
The views expressed in this information product are those of the author alone, and do not reflect
the views of the organization to which he belongs.
S. K. Agarwal (B)
Science for Equity, Empowerment and Development (SEED) Division, Department of Science and
Technology, GOI, Ministry of Science & Technology, New Mehrauli Road, Delhi 110016, India
e-mail: sunilag@nic.in
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
N. Roy et al. (eds.), Socio-economic and Eco-biological Dimensions
in Resource use and Conservation, Environmental Science and Engineering,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-32463-6_23
459
Model of Core Support for Inclusive
Rural Growth:
Social–Economic–Ecological Interface
Building Through Innovative Scalable
Solutions and Effective Delivery
Mechanism
Sunil K. Agarwal
Abstract Present paper highlights through case studies about the field level experiences in implementing unique program of Core Support under TARA scheme of
Department of Science and Technology (DST) to address the emerging challenges
of inclusive growth at the grassroots level. Paper discusses about possible adaptation
strategies, various factors and actors involved in effective governance and towards
improved ecosystem services and rural livelihoods to reduce vulnerabilities with
scalable and affordable technological interventions for rural growth. Paper also discusses and analyzes cutting-edge practices in providing affordable technology access
including innovative delivery mechanism with local institutional arrangements at the
grassroots level though a network of S&T-NGOs. Analysis of their work for adaptive
Research and Development (R&D) on efficient use of resources and in renewable
energy and environment sector evidently shows that as a process mechanism it is
important to strengthen local knowledge, innovation capacity, and practices within
social and ecological systems for successful adoption of innovations under rural settings. It clearly suggests that DST’s Core Support Model for S&T-NGOs evolved in
India provide excellent opportunities for inclusive innovations to make a more meaningful contribution to society through technology driven developmental initiatives.
Paper further suggests that policy level interventions are needed to have more such
S&T-NGOs across the country with enabling environment to crate vibrant ecosystem for visible transformation in rural areas through scalable technological solutions.
This needs to be promoted for technology led growth strategies based on diversification in rural economies taking into account local resources and needs. Such “System
Approach” will enable to innovate and deliver need-based technological solutions to
The views expressed in this information product are those of the author alone, and do not reflect
the views of the organization to which he belongs.
S. K. Agarwal (B)
Science for Equity, Empowerment and Development (SEED) Division, Department of Science and
Technology, GOI, Ministry of Science & Technology, New Mehrauli Road, Delhi 110016, India
e-mail: sunilag@nic.in
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
N. Roy et al. (eds.), Socio-economic and Eco-biological Dimensions
in Resource use and Conservation, Environmental Science and Engineering,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-32463-6_23
459