India's Science & Technology Sector: Experts Call for a Major Upswing in Investment

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  Published in Science and Technology on Tue, Dec 12rd, 2025 by The Hans India

India’s Science & Technology Sector: Why Experts Urge a Major Upswing in Investment

India’s economic momentum has long been linked to its ability to innovate, yet the nation’s science‑and‑technology (S&T) ecosystem remains under‑financed by global standards. A recent article in The Hans India (“Experts call for ramping up science and tech investment in India” – 2024) gathers a panel of scholars, industry leaders and policy advisers to outline the shortfalls and chart a path toward a more vibrant, globally competitive research landscape.

1. Current State of R&D Investment

The article opens by noting that India’s gross domestic expenditure on research and development (GERD) hovers around 0.7 % of GDP – a figure that places it far below the 1.5–2 % benchmark set by advanced economies such as the United States, South Korea and Japan. A link to a World Bank data page (included in the original article) confirms that while the absolute amount of research funding has risen over the past decade, the growth rate has stalled, leaving the country in a “steady‑state” of under‑investment.

The panelists highlight a critical disparity: private sector R&D spending is only about 0.3 % of GDP, whereas public expenditure constitutes the lion’s share. They argue that a balanced mix – akin to the model used by Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) – would foster risk‑taking and commercialization.

2. Why It Matters – The Economic and Societal Imperative

Experts underscore that innovation drives productivity, job creation, and resilience. The article cites a 2023 report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), linked in the article, which projects that increasing GERD to 2 % of GDP could raise India’s GDP by roughly 1.2 % annually over the next decade. Beyond sheer numbers, the piece illustrates real‑world impacts: faster development of affordable medical devices, AI‑powered diagnostics, and renewable energy technologies that can both reduce the nation’s carbon footprint and open export markets.

The article also draws on a case study from the Department of Science & Technology (DST) – the “National Innovation Foundation” (NIF) – detailing how community‑based research projects have sparked local entrepreneurship. By providing seed funding and mentorship, the NIF has helped over 50 start‑ups scale within five years, illustrating the “pay‑off” of investing at the grassroots level.

3. Key Recommendations from the Experts

Each recommendation is backed by data points from linked studies and quotes from subject‑matter experts. For instance, Dr. R. S. Bhargava of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) notes that India’s publication output has risen by 20 % annually, yet “citation impact remains low” due to limited collaboration with top‑tier institutions abroad.

4. Lessons from Global Models

The article draws direct comparisons with Singapore’s “Innovation Act” (linking to a Singapore Government portal) and the European Union’s Horizon Europe framework. In Singapore, a 50 % public–private partnership model has produced a thriving biotech cluster in Jurong. In the EU, Horizon Europe’s emphasis on cross‑border cooperation has accelerated breakthroughs in climate science. The authors argue that India can adopt a hybrid model: strong public oversight coupled with entrepreneurial dynamism.

5. Challenges and Potential Pitfalls

While the push for higher investment is compelling, the article acknowledges several hurdles:

1. Political Will and Budgetary Discipline – Sustaining increased R&D funding requires long‑term commitment beyond electoral cycles.
2. Administrative Bottlenecks – The current multi‑layered approval process can delay funding disbursement; the experts propose a streamlined “one‑stop‑shop” for research grants.
3. Regional Imbalances – Over‑concentration of research hubs in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad risks widening the north–south divide. A decentralised strategy, including incentives for universities in tier‑2 cities, is recommended.
4. Risk of “Innovation Leakage” – Without robust IP protection, foreign firms may simply copy or out‑compete domestic innovators.

6. Looking Ahead – A Call to Action

The article concludes on an optimistic note, urging policymakers, industry, and academia to view S&T investment as a strategic asset rather than a cost center. By channeling resources toward high‑impact research, India can not only secure its economic future but also cement its role as a global driver of science, technology, and sustainable development.

In essence, The Hans India piece serves as a clarion call: the time to ramp up India’s science and technology investment is now, or risk being left behind in the race toward a knowledge‑based economy.