(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA

(APRIL-2025)

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA

Why in News: India’s Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) has more than doubled in the last decade—from ₹60,196 crore in 2013–14 to ₹1,27,381 crore. This growth is shaping India’s future economy through innovation in areas like Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, and Quantum Computing.

Key Statistics on R&D in India

GERD rose from ₹60,196.75 crore (2010–11) to ₹1,27,380.96 crore (2020–21).
Per capita R&D spending rose from PPP$ 29.2 (2007–08) to PPP$ 42.0 (2020–21).
India contributed 3.1% of the world’s R&D spending (UNESCO Science Report, 2021)

Funding sources (2020–21):
Central Government: 43.7%
State Governments: 6.7%
Higher Education: 8.8%
Public Sector Industry: 4.4%
Private Sector Industry: 36.4%
Private sector spends 1.46% of sales on R&D vs. just 0.30% by public sector R&D units.

Key Challenges in India’s R&D Landscape

1. Low Investment

India spends much less on R&D compared to countries like the USA and China.
Private sector contribution is still limited.

2. Neglect of University Research

Top institutes (like IITs) get most funding; regular universities lack infrastructure and support.
Government reforms to promote excellence in universities are inadequate.

3. Access and Quality in Higher Education

Quality education is limited to elite institutions.
Many students cannot access STEM (science, tech, engineering, math) education due to high costs.

4. Economic Inequality

Income disparity limits access to science education and jobs.
Talented individuals often migrate abroad (brain drain).

5. Weak Industry Innovation

Many industries (e.g., pharma) focus on mass production, not innovation.
Poor collaboration between academia and industry.

Way Forward

A. Increase Investment in Science & Technology

Raise R&D spending to at least 2% of GDP.
Encourage private sector through tax incentives and R&D-friendly policies.
Develop innovation hubs, incubators, and global partnerships.

B. Promote Basic Science Research

Allocate fixed funds to fields like physics, chemistry, and biology.
Support interdisciplinary work (e.g., combining biology with data science).
Run public campaigns to build interest in science (e.g., citizen science projects).
Invite Indian-origin scientists abroad to contribute back.

C. Revamp STEM Education