Context:
India aims to transition into an innovation-driven economy, but faces challenges due to low private sector R&D investment and weak research-commercialisation linkages.
Key Highlights:
- Government Push for Innovation
- ₹20,000 crore corpus for deep-tech startups.
- Increased funding for Atal Tinkering Labs (₹500 → ₹3,200 crore).
- Improving Innovation Indicators
- India ranked 38th in Global Innovation Index (2025).
- Patent filings increased to 1.1 lakh (2024-25).
- Low R&D Investment
- India spends only 0.65% of GDP on R&D, below global peers.
- Weak Private Sector Participation
- Industry reluctant to invest in high-risk, long-gestation R&D.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Global Innovation Index (GII):
- Measures innovation capability and output of countries.
- Atal Tinkering Labs:
- Promote STEM innovation among students.
- SHANTI Act, 2025:
- Allows patents in peaceful nuclear applications.
- Deep-Tech:
- Based on advanced scientific innovations (AI, quantum, biotech).
Relevant Mains Points:
- Innovation Paradox
- High policy support, but low industry-led innovation.
- Weak translation from research to market.
- Structural Challenges
- Low R&D intensity and funding.
- Weak human capital in research sectors.
- Gender gaps in STEM participation.
- Role of Private Sector
- Essential for scaling and commercialization.
- Needs incentives for risk-taking and long-term investment.
- Institutional Gaps
- Weak technology transfer mechanisms.
- Limited venture capital for deep-tech.
- Global Competitiveness
- Lack of globally impactful indigenous technologies.
- Way Forward
- Increase R&D expenditure to at least 1–2% of GDP.
- Strengthen industry-academia collaboration.
- Promote venture capital and innovation ecosystems.
- Address gender and skill gaps in STEM.
- Improve IPR regime and commercialization pathways.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS Paper 3: Science & Technology, innovation, economic growth.
- GS Paper 2: Governance, policy support for R&D.