Context: VAIBHAV Summit is a global virtual summit of overseas and resident Indian Researchers and Academicians being organized from 2nd October to 31st October 2020. The aim of the summit is to bring Indian origin luminaries in academic institutes and R&D organizations across the world and resident counterparts on a single platform to debate upon collaboration mechanisms to strengthen academic and S&T base in India for global development. Let's discuss and analyse various aspects of this summit. 

About VAIBHAV Summit

• It is a global summit of Overseas and Resident Indian scientists and academicians.
• It is a joint effort of various S&T and Academic Organisations of India
• The goal is to create an ecosystem of knowledge and innovation in the country through global outreach.
• The initiative aims to bring out the comprehensive roadmap to leverage the expertise and knowledge of global Indian researcher for solving emerging challenges.
• Key areas of discussion will include: quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and machine learning, communications technologies, computational and data sciences and aerospace technologies among others.
• The inauguration will be followed by online deliberation sessions. The initiative involves multiple levels of interactions among overseas experts and Indian counterparts over a month-long series of webinars, video-conferences, etc. 
• More than 3,000 overseas Indian origin academicians and scientists from 55 countries and more than 10,000 resident academicians and scientists are taking part in the summit.
• About 200 academic institutes and S&T departments, led by Principal Scientific Advisor, Government of India, are organizing the summit.
• Over 1,500 panelists from 40 countries, 200 leading Indian R&D and academic institutions will virtually deliberate in 18 different areas and 80 topics in more than 200 deliberation sessions.

Key Focus area of Initiative

• Multiple emerging challenges in today’s global ecosystem are in urgent need of attention. Global challenges such as climate change, health issues and sustainable energy resources have a special connotation in the Indian perspective and require immediate considerations.
• ‘Ideation through Virtual Associations’, ‘Complementary Research’ and ‘Collaborative Development’ are emergent phenomena of this decade. ‘Interdisciplinary Innovations’ and ‘Extensions of Research’ for development drive rapid turnaround of solutions to common issues confronting the world. Collaboration is the new driver of Innovation!
• A framework for systematic and objective driven collaboration between international academia with Indian roots and our own national luminaries will pave the way for country’s advancement in academics and scientific research.
• There exist numerous initiatives and policies instituted by Government of India to partner with Indian talent working overseas.
• It is time to evolve new ideas and bridge the varied experiences and proficiency of diverse academic cultures to push forward the cause of India.
• Collaborative avenues will have a symbiotic bearing whereby Indian Diaspora will be able to connect with their roots, and Indian culture can imbibe the best practices from the global experiences in academics and research.

?Objectives

• To bring out the comprehensive roadmap to leverage the expertise and knowledge of global Indian researchers for solving emerging challenges.
• To reflect in-depth on the collaboration and cooperation instruments with academia and scientists in India.
• To create an ecosystem of Knowledge and Innovation in the country through global outreach.

Significance

• To boost the innovation ecosystem in India, VAIBHAV will add a new dimension to Atal Innovation Mission (AIM).
• AIM is Government of India’s flagship initiative to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.
• The summit seeks active support and ideation from Indian Diaspora for developing skills of Indian aspirants in alignment with the New Educational Policy.
• NEP 2020 aims to pave the way for transformational reforms in school and higher education systems in the country.
• With Indian roots, global outlook and experience, accomplished scientists, researchers and academicians of Indian descent, around the world can play a vital part in the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiative.
• The initiative is based on 5 pillars- Economy, Infrastructure, System, Vibrant Demography and Demand.