Introduction: Metrology for All People for All Time

Aswal, Dinesh K.

In this introductory chapter, a brief account of international metrology program for ensuring a single, coherent system of measurements traceable to SI units throughout the world is presented. The making of National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) as the National Metrology Institute of India is highlighted. Various policy-making innovation models for the creation of knowledge economy and knowledge society are reviewed. A new and innovative model, i.e., Aswal model for inclusive growth is introduced. In this model, metrology fortifies strong interactions among the four helices of Quadruple Helix (QH) model, i.e., government, academia, industry, and society, to ensure the inclusive and sustainable growth of a nation. The implications of this model on various sectors contributing to national economy and quality of life are discussed, which include equality and trust in society, affordable health, high-quality science and technology, sustainable energy, clean environment, and climate change, international trade, cyber-physical systems, cybersecurity, etc. Finally, the roles of CSIR-NPL in nation-building are highlighted.