Indian government continuously strive to achieve their long-term goal of making India a developed nation by 2047 ‘Viksit Bharat’ through focus on Science & Technology. Major programmes are the multi-billion dollar strategic missions like National Quantum Mission and the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-physical Systems identified in technology development which calls for lesser dependence on imports.
Government Stimuli of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
To build a strong and vibrant startup culture numerous initiatives have been developed and initated. Initiatives like geospatial policy 2022, space policy 2023 and bio E3 policy 2024 today are warm measures to establish itself India as an emerging nation in emerging sectors of technology.
Setting up of Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
Through the ANRF Act 2023, the government created the ANRF to fund technological headship and scientific achievement. The foundation also solves the problem of the cross-sectoral coordination and issues grants to support high impact research consistent with national goals and trying to enhance India’s status as a technological powerhouse.
Research & Development Focus
The Sectoral Group of Secretaries (SGoS) on Technology has supported and advised on relevant interventions in the area of Quantum Technologies, Cyber Physical Systems, Bio Manufacturing. Both of these efforts stress independence, measured prosperity, and the provision of a skilled workforce, as well as a commitment to the furtherance of technology mastery worldwide.
Indian Science & Technology: India’s Position in the World
India has made significant progress globally, highlighted by:
With 2,07,390 research papers, the University stands third in research publication while in the Ph.D. award in Science & Engineering it stands 4th with 16,968.
Filing 6th highest number of patents (resident and non-resident) and third in the number of new start-ups (140000 plus).
A qualitative improvement of education with 15% at tertiary level and a shift in the Global Innovation Index at 81 in 2015 to 39 in 2024.
GERD should have expanded massively, with a rise from ₹53,041 crore in 2009-10 to ₹1,27,380 crore in 2020-21.
A rise in gender participation in R&D to 18.6% and an increase in the number of researchers per million population from 164 in 2009 to 262 in 2020.
Conclusion
India’s vision for 2047 hinges on robust advancements in technology and research, driven by strategic missions and innovation policies. The government’s initiatives in R&D, patent filing, and academic improvements are setting the stage for global leadership in science and technology. With a rise in the number of start-ups, patents, and researchers, the country is building a strong foundation for sustainable growth. These efforts ensure India’s progress toward becoming a developed nation. By focusing on self-reliance and technological expertise, India will soon be an integral part of the global innovation ecosystem.
