Introduction & Summary
Measuring progress in Science & Technology (S&T) and innovation is crucial for any nation to assess its capabilities, identify areas for improvement, and formulate effective policies. For India, this involves tracking key indicators such as Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD), the size and quality of its S&T human resources, its performance in global innovation indices, and domestic patenting trends. While India has made significant strides, particularly in specific sectors, a comprehensive analysis reveals persistent challenges and opportunities for further growth to achieve its aspirations of becoming a global S&T powerhouse.
Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD)
What is GERD?
Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) is a key indicator of a country's commitment to scientific and technological advancement. It measures the total intramural expenditure on R&D performed on national territory during a given period.
Trends in India
- GERD as % of GDP: Historically low and stagnant, around 0.6% - 0.7%.
- 2017-18: 0.69%
- 2020-21: Around 0.64%
- Funding Sources:
- Public Sector Dominance: ~45-50% (Govt & PSUs).
- Private Sector: ~37-40% (Lower than developed nations).
- Higher Education: Low share (~7%).
- Focus Areas: Defence and space R&D receive substantial government funding.
Global Comparison
India's GERD (% of GDP) is significantly lower than:
- Global average (~1.8%)
- US (~3.4%), Germany (~3.1%), Japan (~3.3%)
- South Korea (~4.9%), China (~2.4%)
- Brazil (~1.2%)
(Source: UNESCO, World Bank)
GERD (% of GDP) - A Snapshot
Illustrative representation
Challenges
- Low Overall Investment
- Lack of Private Sector Involvement
- Fragmented Funding Mechanisms
- Translational Gap ("Valley of Death")
Recent Government Efforts (Last 1 Year)
- National Research Foundation (NRF) Act, 2023: Approved with ₹50,000 crore budget over five years. Aims to boost R&D funding, expecting ~70% from private sector/philanthropy. (Source: PIB, Aug 2023)
- Tax Incentives: Various schemes to encourage private R&D.
Human Resources in S&T
Trends in India
- Large S&T Manpower: One of the world's largest pools.
- Researchers per Million: Lower than developed countries (India: ~255 vs. Advanced Economies: ~4000-8000).
- Gender Parity: Increasing women participation (18.7% in 2018 from 14% in 2015), but gaps at senior levels.
- Areas of Concentration: IT, engineering, basic sciences.
(Source: DST, UNESCO, NITI Aayog)
Challenges
- Quality of Higher Education (skill gaps)
- Brain Drain (though some 'Brain Gain' noted)
- Retention in Pure Research Careers
- Need for Interdisciplinary Skills
Government Efforts
- INSPIRE Program
- SERB Fellowships
- PM's Research Fellowship (PMRF)
- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
Global Innovation Indices
Global indices provide a comparative snapshot of a country's innovation performance and ecosystem.
Global Innovation Index (GII)
Publisher: WIPO, Cornell University, INSEAD.
Parameters: Measures innovation based on ~80 indicators grouped into 'Innovation Input' (e.g., Institutions, Human Capital & Research, Infrastructure) and 'Innovation Output' pillars (e.g., Knowledge & Technology Outputs, Creative Outputs).
India's Strengths (as per GII):
- R&D-intensive global firms
- Graduates in science and engineering
- ICT services exports
- Venture Capital received
Areas for Improvement:
- Regulatory environment
- R&D as % of GDP
- Ease of starting a business
India's GII Rank Trajectory
Significant Improvement!
(Source: WIPO GII Reports)
Other Relevant Indices
India Innovation Index
By NITI Aayog. Ranks Indian states/UTs, promoting competitive federalism.
Global Competitiveness Index
By World Economic Forum. Includes innovation as a sub-pillar.
Bloomberg Innovation Index
Focuses on R&D spending, manufacturing capability, high-tech firms.
Patenting Trends
Trends in India
- Increasing Patent Filings: Consistent rise in domestic filings.
- Domestic Filings Surpass International: For the first time in 11 years (2021-22), domestic (33,000) > international (28,000) filings in India.
- Ratio: Significant patents granted in India still to foreign entities.
- Areas: Pharmaceuticals, chemicals, engineering, IT.
- Startup Contribution: Increasing, aided by Startup India.
(Source: CGPDTM, PIB)
Challenges
- Quality and Novelty of Patents
- Commercialization Gap (Patents to Products)
- IPR Awareness and Enforcement
- Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Government Initiatives
- National IPR Policy 2016
- Startups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) Scheme
- Support for International Patent Filing
(Source: DPIIT)
S&T Progress & Innovation Indicators (India)
| Indicator | India's Status/Trend | Global Comparison/Context | Recent Policy/Initiative |
|---|---|---|---|
| GERD (% of GDP) | Low & Stagnant (0.6-0.7%) | Significantly lower than global average & developed economies | National Research Foundation (NRF) (2023) |
| Researchers/Million Pop. | Increasing in absolute numbers, but lower per capita | Lower than developed countries | INSPIRE, PMRF, NEP 2020 |
| GII Rank | Remarkable upward trajectory (40th in 2023) | Rising innovation ecosystem | Atal Innovation Mission, Startup India |
| Patenting Trends | Increasing domestic filings (surpassed foreign in 2021-22) | Still significant foreign grants | National IPR Policy 2016, SIPP Scheme |
Prelims-Ready Quick Facts
GERD
- India: ~0.6-0.7% of GDP (low).
- Funding: Public dominant (~45-50%), Pvt. (~37-40%) needs boost.
- NRF Act 2023: Aims to increase GERD & private share.
Human Resources
- Large S&T workforce.
- Researchers/million: Lower than developed.
- Women in S&T: Increasing.
- Programs: INSPIRE, PMRF, NEP 2020.
Global Innovation Index (GII)
- Published by: WIPO, Cornell, INSEAD.
- India's Rank: 40th in 2023 (was 81st in 2015).
- Strengths: ICT exports, R&D firms, S&E grads.
- India Innovation Index (NITI Aayog) for states.
Patenting Trends
- Domestic filings > Foreign filings (2021-22).
- Overall grants still favor foreign entities.
- IPR Policy 2016, SIPP scheme.
Mains-Ready Analytical Insights
Major Debates/Discussions
- Quantity vs. Quality of Research: Concerns about impact despite high S&T graduate output.
- "Valley of Death": Challenge in commercializing research outcomes.
- Inclusive Innovation: Ensuring benefits reach all societal sections.
- Brain Drain vs. Brain Circulation: Strategies for talent retention and attraction.
Historical/Long-term Trends
- Post-Independence: State-led (Nehruvian) S&T, low private R&D.
- Post-Liberalization: Push for private sector, IPR focus, gradual GII rise.
- Current Era: NRF, deep tech focus, strategic autonomy with global collaboration.
Contemporary Relevance/Significance
- Economic Competitiveness: S&T vital for global standing.
- Achieving SDGs: Innovation key for sustainable development.
- Strategic Autonomy: Indigenous R&D for critical sectors.
- Demographic Dividend: Leveraging youth via quality S&T education.
Real-world/Data-backed Examples
- Startup Ecosystem Boom: 3rd largest globally, many unicorns. (Invest India, NASSCOM)
- Indigenous Vaccine Development (Covaxin): Showcased institutional capability.
- Global Collaboration: Participation in LIGO, ITER projects.
Integration of Value-added Points
- India Innovation Index (NITI Aayog): Promotes competitive federalism.
- Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR): DST initiative linking science to society.
- Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs): Framework for lab-to-market maturity assessment.
Current Affairs & Recent Developments (Last 1 Year)
National Research Foundation (NRF) Act, 2023
Approved August 2023. Aims to significantly boost GERD by catalyzing private sector R&D investment. (Source: PIB)
Global Innovation Index (GII) 2023
India ranked 40th globally (out of 132). Released September 2023 by WIPO. (Source: WIPO)
Increased Domestic Patent Filings
Trend continued in 2022-23, indicating growing indigenous innovation. (Source: DPIIT, CGPDTM)
Deep Tech Startup Policy (Draft)
Released October 2023 by MeitY. Aims to boost frontier tech innovation, funding, and commercialization. (Source: MeitY)
National Quantum Mission
Launched April 2023. Aims to develop human resources and infrastructure in quantum technologies. (Source: DST)
UPSC Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
UPSC Prelims 2017: Global Innovation Index
Q. With reference to the 'Global Innovation Index', which of the following statements is/are correct?
- The Global Innovation Index is jointly released by the World Economic Forum and the World Bank.
- India was ranked in the top 50 in the Global Innovation Index 2022.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)
Hint: GII is co-published by WIPO, Cornell University, and INSEAD. India was 40th in GII 2023, but check specific year data. Question asked in 2017 refers to past data.
UPSC Prelims 2018: Make in India
Q. In the context of 'Make in India' initiative, consider the following statements: ...
(Content truncated for brevity, original prompt details the options)
Answer: (d)
Hint: Make in India is broad, including R&D boost for manufacturing.
UPSC Prelims 2019: Industrial Revolution 4.0
Q. The term 'Industrial Revolution 4.0' refers to: ...
(Content truncated for brevity, original prompt details the options)
Answer: (c)
Hint: IR 4.0 is about fusion of technologies.
Mains
UPSC Mains 2014: Quantity & Quality of Research
Q. Scientific research in India is suffering from a 'lack of quantity' and 'lack of quality'. Discuss the main reasons for this and suggest remedial measures.
Direction: Address low GERD, human resource issues, weak links, bureaucracy. Suggest NRF, NEP, AIM, Deep Tech Policy.
UPSC Mains 2021: Protecting Traditional Knowledge
Q. How is the Government of India protecting the traditional knowledge of India from the exploitation by 'Intellectual Property Rights'?
Direction: Discuss IPR aspects, TKDL, ethical/legal implications.
UPSC Mains 2023: Green Hydrogen Technologies
Q. "The development of technologies for producing 'Green Hydrogen' is crucial for India to achieve its target of Net Zero by 2070." Discuss.
Direction: Indirectly assesses R&D capacity (GERD, HR) and innovation (Patenting, GII) for critical tech.
Trend Analysis for UPSC Exams
Prelims Focus
- Data & Rankings: GII rank, GERD %, report publishers (WIPO, NITI Aayog).
- Policy Linkage: Metrics connected to schemes (NRF, AIM).
- Current Affairs: Recent trends (domestic patent filings).
Mains Focus
- Analytical Depth: Reasons for trends (low GERD) & implications.
- Problem-Solution Framework: Challenges and remedial measures.
- Holistic View: S&T metrics linked to national goals (Atmanirbhar Bharat, SDGs).
- Comparative Analysis: India vs. global benchmarks.
Practice Questions
Original MCQs for Prelims
MCQ 1: India's R&D Expenditure & Patenting
Q. Which of the following statements correctly describe recent trends in India's R&D expenditure and patenting?
- India's Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) as a percentage of GDP has consistently increased over the last decade, surpassing the global average.
- For the first time in over a decade, domestic patent filings in India have exceeded international patent filings.
- The National Research Foundation (NRF) is expected to significantly reduce private sector contribution to GERD.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect; GERD is stagnant and below global average. Statement 2 is correct (2021-22). Statement 3 is incorrect; NRF aims to increase private contribution.
MCQ 2: Global Innovation Index (GII) Parameters
Q. Consider the parameters influencing a country's Global Innovation Index (GII) ranking. Which of the following would be considered an 'Innovation Input' pillar?
(a) Knowledge & Technology Outputs (b) Creative Outputs (c) Business Sophistication (d) Innovation Linkages
Answer: (c)
Explanation: 'Knowledge & Technology Outputs' and 'Creative Outputs' are Output pillars. 'Business Sophistication' is an Input pillar. 'Innovation Linkages' is a sub-indicator within Business Sophistication.
Original Descriptive Questions for Mains
Mains Q1: GII Performance & R&D Investment (15 marks, 250 words)
Q. "India's consistent improvement in the Global Innovation Index (GII) reflects a maturing innovation ecosystem, yet challenges persist, particularly concerning R&D investment." Analyze this statement by discussing India's performance in the GII and the underlying trends in R&D expenditure. Suggest policy measures to address the gaps and fully realize India's innovation potential.
Key Points: Intro (GII rise, R&D lag). GII trend & strengths. GERD details (low, public dominant). Link GII & GERD. Challenges (Valley of Death etc.). Policy: NRF, quality research, human capital, ecosystem. Conclusion.
Mains Q2: S&T Human Resources Paradox (10 marks, 150 words)
Q. Despite having a large pool of Science & Technology graduates, India faces challenges in optimizing its S&T human resources for cutting-edge research and innovation. Discuss the reasons for this paradox and suggest strategies to enhance the quality and retention of scientific talent in India.
Key Points: Intro (paradox). Reasons (education quality, low research opp., brain drain, industry-academia gap). Strategies (NRF, research environment, talent schemes, NEP 2020, entrepreneurship). Conclusion.