India has witnessed a remarkable rise in its Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) over the last decade, with spending more than doubling under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister for Science and Technology, highlighted this significant growth, stating that India’s GERD increased from ₹60,196 crore in 2013-14 to ₹1,27,381 crore. This expansion underscores the government’s commitment to establishing India as a global hub for innovation and technological advancement.
At the recent DISHA event held at the India Habitat Centre, Dr Jitendra Singh emphasised that government-backed initiatives are playing a crucial role in catalysing scientific advancements. The investment in R&D is not just focused on research but also on ensuring seamless integration of innovations from laboratories into industries. This approach aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, empowering India to become self-reliant in cutting-edge technologies.
The DISHA Programme (Developing Innovations, Successful Harnessing, and Adoption) is a government initiative aimed at fostering a knowledge-driven economy. It provides support to faculty members and students working on disruptive technologies, encouraging the development of research-driven solutions that can transform industries. This programme is strategically designed to keep India at the forefront of global technological advancements.
To further integrate research across multiple disciplines, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has been established. This foundation aims to bridge the gap between science, humanities, and social sciences, promoting cross-sectoral collaborations. By encouraging interdisciplinary research, the ANRF ensures that India’s innovation ecosystem remains robust and competitive on a global scale.
A notable shift in India’s research landscape is the government’s policy change allowing private sector participation in strategic areas such as space technology and nuclear research. Historically controlled by government institutions, these sectors are now witnessing increased private enterprise involvement, which is expected to accelerate technological advancements, enhance efficiency, and boost India’s global competitiveness.
India’s space sector has seen a surge in innovation, with startups actively contributing to satellite development, launch services, and space-based applications. The opening of the nuclear energy sector to private players marks another transformative step, leveraging indigenous expertise to drive energy security and sustainability.
Dr Jitendra Singh also highlighted the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in sectors like healthcare. AI-driven mobile telemedicine units are expanding access to healthcare in remote areas, while AI-powered diagnostics are revolutionising patient care by making medical services more accessible and cost-effective.
However, he stressed the importance of balancing AI advancements with human expertise to ensure technology enhances, rather than replaces, skilled professionals.
As India approaches 100 years of independence in 2047, the role of young innovators in shaping the country’s technological future is becoming increasingly crucial.
Dr Jitendra Singh urged the next generation to lead the way in developing cutting-edge solutions, stating that the investments made today will determine India’s position in the global economy decades from now.
India’s increasing investment in R&D, coupled with deep-tech research, skill development, and industry-academia collaborations, is setting the stage for a transformative future. Programmes like DISHA and initiatives like the ANRF will play a vital role in making India an innovation powerhouse, ensuring that the country is not just a consumer of technology but also a leading creator and exporter of groundbreaking solutions to the world.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
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Published on: Mar 4, 2025, 1:56 PM IST
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