Co-creation of better knowledge: SAPI organises webinar on ToT in defence

New Delhi: Delhi-based think-factory SAPI (Standing for security, peace and policy initiatives) organised a very unique and one-of-its-kind interactive web event with a diverse mix of knowledgeable participants focussing on co-creation of new and better knowledge through the critical review of a research article on transfer of defence technology authored by Veteran Col Kevin Desouza and published by IDSA.

Technology has come to be the key propellent towards national security and technology superiority is increasing, going to be, the decisive factor in future battle- spaces. Therefore 'Transfer of Technology' (ToT) is adopted to expeditiously close the gap in the rapidly evolving field of technology. However, the area of ToT is understudied and needs more attention.

Pradeep Gupta, the Founder of SAPI, an ex-bureaucrat and technocrat stressed that their objective was to build better domain knowledge by way of expert sourcing and co-creation, in this era of the fast-evolving field of technology.

The forum followed an entirely new process where Col Desouza presented the concept behind it, explained the analysis technique and then displayed the operative statements of his article. These were analysed by all present and live polling was used to draw their collective feedback. In this Dr Sangeeta Goel the co-founder of SAPI and M Sc in public policy from CMU, USA besides Ph D in public policy, anchored the proceedings and live polling analysis. She highlighted that creation of in-depth knowledge and policy ideas have become topical and essential, given that technology can not only serve to be an enabler for the country to be self-reliant but also can contribute to positioning itself to be a global leader.

Among the experts who contributed were Veteran Cmde Sujit Samaddar ex Advisor NITI Aayog and founder of the think-tank – SAMDES, Veteran Col PK Gautam, Hony Distinguished Fellow USI; Veteran Col Selva Kumar, CEO Defence Projects Bridge Bharat; Veteran Col KV Kuber E&Y; Sarang Nerkar CEO of Start-Up Innosapien technologies specialising in VR/AR etc, Yusuf Unjhanwala researcher on Defence Tech from Takshashila Institution and Dr Meherwan, Scientist from DST.

SAPI is proactively reaching out to more participants from all stakeholders who possess the necessary skills, experience and knowledge to make this initiative a success. In the meantime, Col Desouza will shortly publish an improved version of his article, through the feedback received, as evidence of the outcome of the process.

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