SPARC Program Details
About the Scheme
SPARC: The Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC) aims to strengthen the research ecosystem of India's Higher Educational Institutions by promoting academic and research collaborations between Indian Institutions and leading institutions from across the globe to jointly address problems of national and / or international significance.
The scheme facilitates productive academic cooperation in areas such as joint research projects, exchange of faculty and students, and joint degree programs by supporting key components that catalyze impactful research.
Key Components
These core initiatives are designed to foster global academic partnerships and drive world-class research outcomes.
International Faculty Visits
Visits and long-term stay of leading international faculty and researchers at Indian institutions for teaching and research.
Student Exchange
Visits by Indian students to premier international laboratories for training and experimentation.
Joint Development
Joint development of niche courses, world-class books and monographs, translatable patents, demonstrable technologies, or action-oriented research outcomes.
Bilateral Cooperation
Strengthening of bilateral cooperation through academic and research partnerships via workshops held in India.
Global Visibility
Publication, dissemination and visibility through a high profile annual international conference in India.
Skill Development
Comprehensive training and skill development of researchers and students.
Global Context & G20 Presidency
During India's G20 Presidency, "Strengthening research and promoting innovation through richer collaboration in education and training" was one of the four priority areas by the Education Working Group. The G20 Leaders' Declaration has "reaffirmed our commitment to promote open, equitable and secure scientific collaboration and encourage mobility of students, scholars, researchers, and scientists across research and higher education institutions."
Digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) and other critical and emerging technologies, along with sustainability and green transitions, are some of the areas that have been prioritized in G20 deliberations and the outcomes documents, including various reports. These are recognized as sectors that require global cooperation to develop sustainable and inclusive solutions.