Iron & Steel Research Innovative council
The Iron & Steel Research & Innovative Council is the future‑oriented arm of the Steel Consumer Forum (SCF), dedicated to driving research, innovation and low‑carbon transformation across the iron and steel value chain. Its goal is to ensure that Indian steel becomes cleaner, smarter and more competitive while directly improving outcomes for consumers and industry.
Purpose and Vision
The Council exists to bridge the gap between today’s operating reality and tomorrow’s green, high‑performance steel ecosystem.
Its core purpose is to:
Promote research and innovation on iron and steel across processes, products and applications.
Lead research and innovation on low‑carbon and green steel, including technologies that significantly cut emissions and resource use.
Translate global and national best practices into practical roadmaps that Indian producers, MSMEs and users can adopt.
By doing this, the Council supports both climate goals and long‑term consumer interest in better, safer and more sustainable steel.
Key Functions of the Council
The Iron & Steel Research & Innovative Council focuses on a few high‑impact work streams.
Technology and Process Innovation
Encourages development and adoption of advanced steelmaking routes such as improved BF‑BOF with CCUS, hydrogen‑based DRI and other low‑carbon technologies.
Supports projects that improve raw material beneficiation, energy efficiency, waste utilization and product performance.
Low‑Carbon and Green Steel Pathways
Studies practical decarbonization pathways for Indian steel, including cluster‑based approaches and industrial hubs.
Evaluates cost, feasibility and impact of emerging technologies and helps sequence investments so that producers are not financially over‑burdened.
Standards, Data and Best Practices
Works with technical bodies and regulators to reflect new technologies and sustainability metrics in standards and guidelines.
Documents and disseminates best practices in process control, emissions reduction, recycling and circular economy models.
Collaboration and Ecosystem Building
Encourages collaboration between steel companies, research institutions, start‑ups and technology providers, similar to initiatives like SRTMI and industry–academia centres.
Promotes platforms, conclaves and working groups focused on innovation, specialty steels and future‑ready applications.
Focus on Low‑Carbon and Consumer‑Centric Innovation
The Council keeps both climate and consumer at the centre of its research agenda.
It works to ensure that:
New technologies not only reduce emissions but also improve reliability, longevity and performance of steel used by end‑customers.
Policy and innovation choices support stable prices and secure supply, rather than creating sudden shocks for consumers and MSMEs.
Research outcomes are translated into simple, actionable guidelines that builders, engineers and buyers can understand and use.By aligning innovation with real‑world usage, the Council helps make advanced and green steel a practical reality for the entire market, not just a niche concept.
Integration with Other SCF Bodies
The Iron & Steel Research & Innovative Council operates in close coordination with other SCF institutions.
It:
Provides the Iron & Steel Assessment Board with updated benchmarks and test criteria for new grades, processes and low‑carbon products.
Informs the Steel Advisory Board and National Committee about technology trends, risks and opportunities, shaping long‑term strategy and policy inputs.
Supports State Executive Committees with knowledge on innovative solutions that can be piloted or scaled in specific regions.
Through this integrated role, the Council ensures that research and innovation directly strengthen quality, sustainability and consumer protection across India’s iron and steel ecosystem.
