COIMBATORE, Jan 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly believes that many of today’s societal challenges can be effectively addressed through the thoughtful application of technology, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery said on Saturday.

Speaking at the two-day national workshop titled “Sustaining Innovation: Embedding Research and Development in State Institutions” held here, Bery said the Prime Minister has consistently emphasised the need to align research outcomes with national priorities and public welfare.

“The research undertaken at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is deeply rooted in addressing real-world challenges faced by ordinary people. The Prime Minister strongly believes many of today’s societal challenges can be addressed only through the thoughtful and purposeful application of technology,” Bery was quoted as saying in an official release.

The workshop, convened by NITI Aayog and organised in collaboration with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and the Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology, brought together policymakers, scientists, and representatives from academic and research institutions. Discussions centred on embedding research and development within state institutions to support evidence-based policymaking and achieve long-term development outcomes.

Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology Member Secretary S Vincent said the state is among the leaders in patent filings in India, with nearly 5,000 to 6,000 applications filed annually. He added that Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has been a key contributor to this achievement.

On the occasion, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research, aimed at strengthening collaboration in research and science and technology-related initiatives.