India’s Research And Innovation Ecosystem: Key Initiatives And Challenges

Source: Indian Express
GS II: Government Policies and Interventions for development; GS III: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life

Why in the News?

India has made significant progress in research, innovation and technology development over the past decade, with a growing focus on indigenous capabilities, scientific research and entrepreneurship.

News in Brief

• India’s position in the Global Innovation Index improved from 81st in 2015 to 38th in 2025.
• Government initiatives such as the National Quantum Mission, IndiaAI Mission and Anusandhan National Research Foundation aim to strengthen India’s research and innovation ecosystem.
• The Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund seeks to support private-sector research and the commercialisation of new technologies.
• India is expanding its capabilities in semiconductors, biotechnology, space technology, nuclear energy and digital public infrastructure.

Growth in Research and Development

• India’s research ecosystem has expanded through government support, institutional development and industry–academia collaboration.
• The Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) increased from ₹79,355.89 crore in 2013–14 to ₹2,47,467.81 crore in 2023–24.
• The private sector’s share of GERD increased from 32.2% to 45.2% during this period.

Strengthening Research Institutions

• The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) supports research across universities, colleges and research laboratories.
• It seeks to promote collaboration among academia, industry and government.

Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund

• The RDI Fund addresses the gap between scientific research and commercialization, often described as the ‘Valley of death’.
• It supports technologies that require substantial investment before becoming commercially viable.
• The initiative aims to encourage private-sector participation in high-risk, high-impact research.

Promoting Women in Science

• Initiatives such as Women in Science and Engineering -KIRAN, Vigyan Jyoti and the Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) promote women’s participation in science and technology.
• They aim to improve access to research opportunities and build an inclusive scientific ecosystem.

National Quantum Mission

• The mission promotes research in quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and quantum materials.
• It aims to strengthen India’s capabilities in emerging technologies and advanced scientific research.

IndiaAI Mission

• The mission supports the development of AI infrastructure, datasets, computing resources, skill development and foundational models.
• It also promotes responsible AI and wider access to AI technologies.

Semiconductor Development

• The India Semiconductor Mission supports the establishment of semiconductor fabrication facilities, packaging units and other components of the semiconductor ecosystem.
• It aims to reduce import dependence and strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Biotechnology

• The BioE3 Policy promotes biotechnology for the economy, environment and employment.
• It encourages biomanufacturing, bio-based chemicals, enzymes and advanced biotherapeutics.
• Biotechnology is emerging as an important area for sustainable industrial development.

Space Technology

• The Indian Space Policy, 2023, encourages private-sector participation in space activities.
• Private companies are increasingly involved in satellite manufacturing, launch services and downstream applications.
• Space technology also supports communication, navigation, agriculture and disaster management.

Nuclear Energy

• The SHANTI Act provides a framework for greater private-sector participation in India’s nuclear energy sector, subject to applicable safety and regulatory requirements.
• Nuclear energy can contribute to energy security and the transition towards low-carbon development.

Digital Public Infrastructure

• India’s digital infrastructure has expanded through initiatives such as Aadhar, UPI , DigiLocker, Account Aggregator and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
• These platforms improve access to services and support digital innovation.
• In agriculture, technologies such as satellite imagery, drones, remote sensing and GIS enable precision farming, crop monitoring and better agricultural advice.

Start-Up Ecosystem

• India’s start-up ecosystem has grown through government support, access to funding and entrepreneurship programmes.
• Initiatives such as the Startup India, Seed Fund Scheme, Fund of Funds for Startups, Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups and Atal Innovation Mission encourage innovation and enterprise development.
• The focus is increasingly shifting towards deep technology, research-intensive businesses and indigenous technological capabilities.

Significance and Challenges for India

• Research and innovation drive economic growth by improving productivity, creating skilled jobs and developing new industries.
• Indigenous technologies reduce import dependence and strengthen strategic autonomy in areas such as AI, semiconductors and space.
• Digital innovations improve access to public services, while biotechnology and clean technologies support sustainable development.
• Together, these advances enhance India’s global competitiveness and promote inclusive growth.

Challenges

• India’s research ecosystem faces low R&D investment compared with leading innovation-driven economies and limited private-sector funding.
• The gap between scientific discoveries and commercial applications remains a concern.
• Weak industry-academia collaboration, unequal access to research facilities and limited opportunities for researchers also constrain innovation.
• Retaining skilled talent and ensuring that research reaches the market are essential for building a strong, self-reliant innovation ecosystem.

Way Forward and Conclusion

India should boost R&D investment, strengthen industry–academia collaboration, support deep-tech start-ups and expand research opportunities. Better funding, technology transfer and inclusive policies can turn scientific discoveries into practical solutions.

A strong innovation ecosystem can enhance self-reliance, global competitiveness and inclusive growth, helping India achieve Viksit Bharat.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

Consider the following statements:

1. The Global Innovation Index is published by the World Intellectual Property Organization.
2. The Anusandhan National Research Foundation aims to promote research and innovation in India.
3. The National Quantum Mission focuses exclusively on the commercial production of conventional semiconductors.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Mains Practice Question

Q) Discuss India’s progress in research and innovation. Examine the major challenges in translating scientific research into commercial applications. (250 words)

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