27 Sep India: A Rising Innovation Hub.
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and topic details of India: A Rising Innovation Hub.
Syllabus mapping:
GS-3: Science and Technology: Recent development in the field of science and technology.
For Prelims:
What is the status of the innovation in India, the Global Innovation Index, WIPO?
For Mains:
What are the factors driving the innovations in India challenges and the way forward to commercialize the innovations?
Why in the News?
India Rises to 39th Place in Global Innovation Index 2024 Among 133 Economies.
THE GLOBAL INNOVATION INDEX:
The Global Innovation Index (GII), released annually by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), ranks 131 countries using 81 indicators. Initiated in 2007 by INSEAD and the British magazine World Business, the index evaluates the innovation performance of these nations.
WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ORGANIZATIONS:
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) was established in 1893 as the United International Bureau for the Protection of Intellectual Property (BIRPI) and became a United Nations agency in 1974. It’s located in Geneva, Switzerland, and has 193 member states including India.
India and innovation:
Status of innovation:
Record Patent Filings: In 2023, India filed 90,300 patents, a 17% increase from 2022, averaging nearly 247 patents per day—the highest rate in 20 years.
Patent Grants: Over 75,000 patents were granted in 2023.
Resident Contributions: The share of patents filed by Indian residents rose from 20% before 2014 to 32% in 2023.
Reduced Pendency: Patent pendency decreased by 15 months.
Strong Growth Rate: India’s patent growth rate stands out compared to other countries.
IP Ecosystem Development: Efforts are ongoing to strengthen the intellectual property rights ecosystem in India.
Government Policies to Promote Innovation:
Atal Innovation Mission: Foster a culture of innovation through various initiatives and support systems.
National Quantum Mission: Advance research and development in quantum technologies.
National Nanotechnology Mission: Promote nanotechnology research and its applications.
Intellectual Property Rights Policy: Strengthen IP protection to encourage innovation.
INSPIRE Initiatives: Inspire and nurture young talent in science and technology.
Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Property: Provide expertise and support for IP management.
SIP-EIT (Support for International Patent Protection in E&IT): Assist MSMEs and tech startups in securing international patents.
Startup India Seed Fund Scheme: Offer financial assistance for startup development phases, including prototypes.
NIDHI (National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations): Establish technology business incubators to support startups.
TIDE 2.0: Provide financial and technological support to startups in advanced tech sectors like AI and Blockchain.
Startup India Initiative: Grant tax benefits to new entrepreneurs for five years.
SUNIL Programme: Enhance livelihood systems through technology and enterprise development.
Drivers of Recent Advances in Innovations
Proactive Government Policies: Initiatives like the National Quantum Mission and National Semiconductor Mission demonstrate the government’s active role in fostering innovation.
Skilled Workforce Development: Government efforts have encouraged many aspiring scientists to collaborate with public institutions.
Collaboration with Private Sector: Private companies are partnering with the government to enhance scientific advancements, exemplified by a recent satellite launch by a Hyderabad startup in the space sector.
Increased R&D Funding: Research and development funding saw a substantial rise, with the Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) growing from ₹601,968 million in 2010-11 to ₹1,273,810 million in 2020-21.
Growth of Startup Culture: India has emerged as the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, with many startups focusing on science and technology.
International Collaborations: Engagements with global research institutions, like the International Renewable Energy Agency, promote knowledge sharing and access to advanced technologies.
Emphasis on STEM Education: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 prioritizes STEM education, cultivating a skilled workforce ready to tackle intricate challenges.
Digital Transformation: The swift adoption of digital technologies is enhancing research processes and data analysis capabilities, driven by initiatives like the Digital India Mission.
Emerging Technologies: Advancements in fields such as AI, biotechnology, and nanotechnology are creating new research and application opportunities.
Sustainability Initiatives: Increased awareness around sustainability and climate change is driving research in green technologies and renewable energy.
Ongoing Challenges in Scientific Development
Low GERD: India’s research spending remains around 1% of GDP, significantly lower than China (2%) and the US (3.5%).
Limited Innovation Formalization: A majority of innovations in India are not patented, reducing their societal impact compared to countries like China and the US.
Narrow Focus on Certain Domains: Current research funding is primarily directed toward space and communication technologies, while critical sectors like health and education receive less support.
Infrastructure Gaps: Insufficient research facilities hinder high-quality research and development efforts.
Talent Drain: Skilled professionals often leave for better opportunities abroad, resulting in a loss of talent.
Lack of Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Despite NEP 2020 initiatives, collaboration across scientific disciplines remains limited, affecting innovative problem-solving.
Policy Implementation Issues: Challenges in executing supportive policies can impede progress, as seen in healthcare innovations.
Import Dependency: India’s scientific advancements largely rely on imported materials, which is unsustainable in the long run, especially in light of geopolitical tensions.
Equitable Access Challenges: Ensuring that advancements in science and technology reach all demographics and regions is crucial but difficult.
Solutions for Scientific Advancement in India
Strengthened Government Support: Significant increases in funding for science and technology research, exceeding ₹1,00,000 crore in recent budgets, can enhance support for innovation.
Global Collaborations: Partnerships with international tech leaders and research institutions will promote knowledge exchange and technology transfer.
Targeted Investments: Strategic investments in emerging sectors like electric vehicles and renewable energy are essential for sustainable growth.
Boosting Electronics Manufacturing: The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme aims to enhance local electronics manufacturing through a ₹75,000 crore investment.
Fostering an Innovation Ecosystem: India’s thriving startup ecosystem, with over 60,000 startups valued at over $200 billion, needs further support for continued innovation.
Reducing Import Reliance: Strengthening domestic production capabilities, particularly in semiconductors, is vital for reducing dependence on imports.
Developing Local Talent: Initiatives like the Skill India Mission aim to equip the workforce with essential skills for the evolving technological landscape.
Advancing New Technologies: Investments in cutting-edge technologies such as 5G, IoT, and AI are set to reach $20 billion by 2025.
Long-Term Growth and Export Goals: Aiming for $1 trillion in manufacturing output by 2025 positions India as a crucial player in global supply chains.
Job Creation Initiatives: Expansion in manufacturing and technology sectors is projected to create millions of new jobs, bolstering economic growth.
Conclusion
The recent advancements in scientific development are commendable, contributing to milestones like improved internet connectivity in rural areas and renewable energy targets. Addressing challenges related to dependency, equity, and infrastructure through public-private partnerships and equitable resource distribution is essential.
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Prelims Question:
Q. With reference to the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement, Consider the following statement:
1. The TRIPS agreement is signed under the aegis of the WIPO.
2. The TRIPS agreement deals with trademarks, geographical indications and patents
3. India has signed the agreement but has yet to ratify it.
How many of the above-given statements are correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None
ANSWER: A.
Mains Question:
Innovation is considered one of the pillars of India’s journey as a developed nation by 2047. Discuss the government policies, and challenges and suggest the ways to tackle these challenges. (Answer in 250 words)
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