CSR Round Table

Joint Meeting with CSRs heads of PSUs to promote PPP

Background: The transition from a resource-based economy to an innovative way of development requires active cooperation of public and private to modernize our economy. Through an effective decentralization process, the private sector can not only share the financial inputs but also harness their expertise and efficiencies to initiate adequate market supply and demand linkages and enhance technological capabilities by introducing new and improved processes to these centers. On the other side, handholding of innovative ventures by public entities can help give a competitive advantage by looking into quality concerns and providing initial buy-back support. Utilizing PPPs as a way of developing local private sector capabilities through joint ventures as well as creating subcontracting opportunities for local firms can eventually lead to encouraging ownership and a willingness to act, leading to more successful entrepreneurial ventures and economies of scale.

As a part of the outreach efforts for ACIC, CSR Heads from over 20 Maharatna, Navratna and selected state PSUs attended a CSR Round Table in NITI Aayog on 18th September 2019 to discuss the involvement of Public Sector Enterprises in building the innovation ecosystem of the country. Multiple initiatives undertaken by AIM were discussed and a plan on possibilities of collaboration with the PSUs was formulated.

Here are the key discussions points from the meeting:

• The setup of Atal Community Innovation Centers would be focussed in primarily underserved areas of the country such as Aspirational districts, Northeast regions, Tribal areas, Rural areas, and Tier-2 & 3 cities.
• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) would provide one half of the matching grant of up to INR 2.5 Cr, while the PSUs can collaborate for the second half of the matching grant.
• AIM would provide the handholding and facilitate the technical knowhow for the selected ACICs.
• A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is required for the setup of ACICs, this is important for the financial and administrative autonomy.
• The PSUs can work with the Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in schools on either adoption or co-partnership model. AIM has developed a good replicable model and would help in setting up and operational monitoring of ATLs.
• The PSUs were also welcomed to collaborate in initiatives of AIM such as Atal Incubation Centers (AICs) and Atal New India Challenge (ANIC).