India’s Scientific Renaissance: Charting the Path to a Technologically Advanced Future

The Indian Express | 17-Mar-2025
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India is undergoing a transformative period in science and technology, with a renewed focus on research, innovation, and self-reliance. The government, under the leadership of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), is taking strategic steps to boost R&D investment, enhance collaboration between academia and industry, and position India as a leader in emerging technologies like 6G, quantum computing, and clean energy. The establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and the introduction of a β‚Ή1 lakh crore fund for private sector R&D signal a shift towards a more holistic and impact-driven approach. However, challenges such as low private-sector R&D investment, lack of scaling in innovation, and dependence on foreign technology remain. This article explores India’s scientific vision for 2047, its role in global technology development, and the path forward to becoming a scientific powerhouse.

India’s Scientific Renaissance: A Period of Transformation

Building a Robust Research & Innovation Ecosystem

India’s research ecosystem is witnessing a significant transformation, focusing on three major pillars:

  1. Strengthening Fundamental Research: Expanding research efforts across IITs, IISc, and national laboratories.
  2. Translating Research into Marketable Technology: Encouraging startups and industry-academia partnerships.
  3. Developing a Sustainable Research Ecosystem: Establishing long-term funding models and policy frameworks.

A major step in this direction is the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), which seeks to bridge the gap between universities and R&D institutions by funding:

  • Mission-mode research projects addressing national and global challenges.
  • State university research through a mentorship model, where top-tier institutions will guide smaller universities.

This shift from theoretical research to impact-driven science is expected to accelerate India’s technological advancement.


India’s Scientific Vision for 2047

To achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047, science and technology must address three major challenges:

1. Resource Constraints & Sustainability

  • Solving food & water scarcity through agriculture innovations.
  • Developing climate-resilient infrastructure.
  • Advancing carbon capture & renewable energy solutions.

2. Transforming Lifestyles & Healthcare

  • AI-driven personalized medicine and affordable healthcare solutions.
  • Developing India’s own bio-manufacturing & gene therapy capabilities.

3. Enhancing Urban Infrastructure & Mobility

  • Smart cities with AI-integrated public transport.
  • Development of hyperloop & EV ecosystems.

India’s scientific self-reliance will depend on not just incremental innovation, but game-changing, disruptive technologies.


Bridging the Technology Gap: Can India Catch Up?

A recent Australian Strategic Public Institute (ASPI) report found that India ranks in the top five globally in 45 out of 64 critical technologies, including:

  • Quantum sensing
  • Cybersecurity
  • Biofuels

However, India is not yet a world leader. The next 5-10 years will be crucial to catching up and surpassing other nations in key technology domains.

Key Challenges:

  • Lack of high-impact innovation (breakthrough patents & global standard-setting).
  • Slow commercial adoption of scientific research.
  • Limited R&D investment from the private sector.

If addressed strategically, India can emerge as a leader in select technology areas by 2035.


R&D Investment: India’s Biggest Weakness?

For over three decades, India has aspired to increase R&D expenditure to 2% of GDP, but it has remained stagnant at 0.6-0.7%.

Comparison with Global Leaders:

  • USA: 3.5% of GDP on R&D
  • China: 2.4% of GDP
  • South Korea: 4.8% of GDP

In developed nations, 70% of R&D funding comes from the private sector, while in India, government funding dominates.

To boost private sector R&D, the government has launched a β‚Ή1 lakh crore fund, aiming to:

  • Reduce private sector risk in R&D investment.
  • Encourage high-tech startups beyond IT & e-commerce.
  • Attract β‚Ή10 lakh crore in private investment.

This policy shift is expected to be a game-changer in making India a global technology innovation hub.


Learning from China: Scaling Research for Impact

China, once in a similar position as India, dramatically scaled its research ecosystem by:

  • Investing heavily in talent, attracting back Chinese scientists from abroad.
  • Creating large-scale research clusters to drive innovation.
  • Rapidly increasing the number of scientific publications and patents.

For India to match China’s pace, it must:

  • Increase funding for top research universities.
  • Encourage foreign-trained Indian scientists to return.
  • Scale up research output to achieve global impact.

6G Development: Can India Lead?

India missed the 4G revolution but made strides in 5G development, contributing patents and intellectual property through IITs.

With 6G standards currently being drafted, India has a unique opportunity to:

  • Set global standards & own key patents.
  • Develop indigenous 6G infrastructure.
  • Expand satellite-integrated connectivity.

If successful, India could control 5-10% of global 6G intellectual property.


Quantum Computing & Clean Energy: The Next Frontier

Quantum Technologies

India is investing in quantum computing, communication, and sensing through the National Quantum Mission. Key research centers include:

  • TIFR, IISc Bangalore, IIT Bombay, and IIT Kanpur.
  • Startups working on indigenous quantum computers.

Renewable Energy & Battery Research

  • Green Hydrogen Mission to achieve energy self-sufficiency.
  • Developing alternative battery technologies (sodium-ion batteries) to reduce dependence on China.

By investing in emerging energy technologies, India can become a leader in clean energy solutions.


Way Forward: Strengthening India’s Scientific Ecosystem

1. Strengthening University Research

  • Expand funding to public universities.
  • Develop mentorship models for research collaboration.

2. Boosting Private Sector R&D

  • Leverage the β‚Ή1 lakh crore fund to attract β‚Ή10 lakh crore in private investment.
  • Encourage deep-tech startups.

3. Reducing Dependence on Foreign Technology

  • Develop indigenous semiconductor & battery technology.
  • Expand AI & biotech research capabilities.

Conclusion

 

India is at a critical juncture in its scientific transformation. With strategic investments, policy reforms, and global collaboration, India can achieve scientific self-reliance and become a leading technological power by 2047. The next two decades will define India’s place in the global scientific community.

Summary

  • Strengthening India’s Research Ecosystem: India is focusing on fundamental research, translational innovation, and commercialization of scientific breakthroughs.
  • Vision for 2047: The goal is to make India a global technological power, addressing critical challenges in healthcare, energy, urban infrastructure, and climate change.
  • Bridging the Technology Gap: India ranks in the top five in 45 out of 64 critical technologies but must scale up innovation to become a world leader.
  • R&D Investment Challenges: While India’s R&D spending remains below 0.7% of GDP, a new β‚Ή1 lakh crore fund aims to catalyze private sector participation.
  • Lessons from China: Scaling research output, bringing back top talent, and investing in disruptive technologies are key takeaways.
  • 6G Development: India aims to shape global 6G standards, building on its 5G intellectual property contributions.
  • Quantum & Clean Energy: Investments in quantum computing, advanced materials, and carbon capture will drive energy security and sustainability.
  • Way Forward: Strengthening university research, incentivizing private R&D, and reducing dependence on foreign technology are crucial.