India has moved from a traditional, resource-based economy to one driven by science, innovation and research…
For the longest time, India has been a traditional economy, depending on its vast resources. But at long last, the country has shed its follower tag when it comes to technological advancement and is now a global innovator.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh spoke about this at length while addressing the gathering at the recently-concluded India International Science Festival (IISF) in Panchkula. Until very recently, India was all about abundant human capital, huge talent pool and its flourishing software services sector.
But thanks to purposeful governance, prioritizing innovation and a national strategy that is aimed at deep tech, strategic research funding and sustainable impact, the country has transformed into tech leaders.
Leadership in Emerging Technologies
One of the main things Dr Singh focused on during his address was the fact that India had stopped being a technology adopter and had become a leader in several emerging sectors. Technological domains like biotechnology, nuclear innovation, regenerative sciences and next-generation space technologies are now avenues where Indian research and policy are setting the global yardstick instead of just keeping the pace.
Thanks to public and private partnerships, innovation ecosystems and policy frameworks, India’s biotech sector is focusing on environment, employment and economy. Similarly, the space technology sector has gone from a government-led enterprise to hundreds of private companies working on launches, satellite applications and even agricultural and disaster-management solutions rooted in space tech.
The startup ecosystem is also gathering pace – especially in areas like deep tech, AI and advanced sciences as local and foreign investors are jumping on India’s tech innovation bandwagon.
From Policy to People: Driving Global Innovation
The Union Minister also stressed on the fact that these innovations are not limited to elite labs and metropolitan cities. Thanks to targeted funding, like the new national R&D Fund, India is enabling research and enterprise in areas which was previously limited to the private sector. This includes space and nuclear energy innovation and it is made possible by long-term, low-cost funding to emerging companies.
The idea is not just to subsidize research but also to build enduring industry capabilities. This would eventually embed India’s innovators into the global technology value chains.
Access to technologies like satellite data and digital certification system has linked sectors together like agriculture and healthcare with citizen services. This goes to show that technology can enhance governance as well as quality of life.
Global Recognition and Strategic Partnerships
India’s advancement in technological innovation is attracting global attention. Delegations from different countries are visiting India to study our public service delivery solutions, digital certification frameworks and citizen-centric technology platforms. This is a 180-degree shift from the past where India used to send delegations abroad to understand these frameworks and models.
The recognition is helping in terms of global funding and partnerships. Major global tech companies are announcing multi-billion-dollar partnerships with Indian AI and cloud infrastructure. This is a clearcut signal that India is now a leading development hub as well as a global player when it comes to technological advancements.
The Last Word
India’s science and technological acceleration is very impressive but Dr Singh also added that true innovation must be sustainable and inclusive. He said these advancements need to translate into job opportunities that create dignity, financial security and equal opportunities across society.
But this is indeed great news for India. After playing catchup for decades, we are finally among the frontrunners when it comes to technology. The focus now should be in maintaining the pace.
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