Syllabus: GS – III & V: Development

Why in the News?

As India prepares for 2047, the centenary of Independence, the Union Government has announced a ₹1 trillion Research and Development and Innovation  (RDI) Fund, signalling a decisive shift towards science-led, innovation-driven growth.

India’s Development Vision for 2047

• India’s long-term vision aims to transform the country into a globally influential, technologically advanced and self-reliant nation.
• Innovation is now seen not as a support system but as a core driver of economic growth, national security and global standing.
• The new RDI Fund represents one of the largest public commitments to science and deep technology in India’s history.

A Technology-Driven Growth Model

• India’s past achievements in agriculture self-sufficiency, space technology and digital public infrastructure show the link between science and national progress.
• In today’s global order, knowledge and innovation define power, making investment in frontier technologies essential.
• The fund is designed as a long-term strategic investment to strengthen India’s scientific sovereignty and global competitiveness.

Atmanirbhar Bharat Through Innovation

• The initiative is a key pillar of Atmanirbhar Bharat, which focuses on reducing dependence on imported technologies.
• Priority areas under the fund include:
  • Artificial Intelligence for governance, healthcare and education.
  • Quantum Computing for cybersecurity, defence and advanced materials.
  • Semiconductors to build a domestic chip ecosystem and digital independence.
  • Biotechnology for pharmaceuticals, genomics and sustainable agriculture.
• By supporting indigenous research and manufacturing, India aims to develop technologies that are made in India, for India, and for the world.

Public–Private Partnerships as the New Model

• Unlike earlier government-centric funding approaches, the new framework promotes public–private collaboration.
• Strong linkages between universities, research institutions, startups and industry are encouraged to convert lab research into market-ready products.
• Flexible funding tools such as grants, venture funding and co-investment models are proposed to support innovation at different stages.
• This approach recognises that innovation ecosystems thrive on collaboration, not isolation.

Empowering India’s Talent Pipeline

• India’s young population is its greatest strength, with a large pool of engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs.
• The National Research Foundation is expected to play a central role by:
  • Coordinating advanced research funding.
  • Strengthening university–industry linkages.
  • Supporting regional institutions, including those in the Northeast.
• Inclusive growth of the knowledge economy ensures that innovation is not limited to a few metropolitan centres.

India in the Global Innovation Race

• Countries such as the United States, China and the European Union are investing heavily in advanced technologies.
• India already has an advantage through its Digital Public Infrastructure, such as Aadhaar, Unified Payments Interface and Open Network for Digital Commerce.
• By strengthening its research base, India can emerge as a technology creator and innovation partner for the Global South, not just a technology user.

Key Challenges Ahead

• India’s Research and Development expenditure, at around 0.7 percent of Gross Domestic Product, remains low by global standards.
• Ensuring coordination across ministries, ethical use of technology, data protection and cybersecurity is critical.
• As automation expands, reskilling and workforce transition must be prioritised to ensure inclusive benefits.

Important Terms Explained

• Deep Technology: Advanced technologies based on scientific breakthroughs rather than incremental improvements.
• Artificial Intelligence: Systems capable of performing tasks that normally require human intelligence.
• Quantum Computing: Computing based on quantum mechanics, enabling extremely high processing power.
• Semiconductors: Materials essential for electronic devices and digital infrastructure.
• Digital Public Infrastructure: Government-backed digital platforms that deliver services at scale.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat: A national vision aimed at self-reliance in critical sectors.

Conclusion

• India’s ambition for 2047 is not just economic prosperity but leadership in science, technology and innovation.
• The ₹1 trillion Research and Development and Innovation Fund can become the cornerstone of this transformation if implemented effectively.
• A scientific century for India depends on inclusive, ethical and collaborative innovation.

Exam Hook

Key Takeaways

• Innovation is central to India’s 2047 vision.
• Public–private collaboration is key to translating research into impact.

Possible Mains Question:
“India’s ambition to become a global innovation leader by 2047 rests on strengthening its research and development ecosystem. Discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with this transition.”

One-line wrap:
India’s journey to 2047 marks a shift from technology adoption to technology leadership, driven by science, innovation and self-reliance.

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