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India Aims to Become Knowledge Superpower by 2040

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  Published in Science and Technology on Monday, February 9th 2026 at 11:49 GMT by ThePrint
      Locale: N/A, INDIA

New Delhi, February 9th, 2026 - Dr. Abhay Karandikar, President of the Foundation for Science and Technology Vision (FSFTI), delivered a compelling address at the annual Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) India conference today, outlining a vision for India to ascend to a global knowledge superpower by 2040. The core message resonated with attendees: achieving this ambitious goal demands unprecedented unity and collaboration among India's technical institutions.

Dr. Karandikar's speech wasn't simply a hopeful proclamation, but a detailed call to action, highlighting critical areas needing immediate attention. He argued that India possesses the inherent potential - a vast pool of talent and a burgeoning technological landscape - but realizing this potential requires a fundamental shift in how the nation approaches innovation, skill development, and the vital link between academia and industry.

Breaking Down Silos: The Need for Collaborative Innovation

For decades, India's technical institutions, while individually strong, have often operated in silos. This fragmentation hinders the cross-pollination of ideas and slows down the innovation process. Dr. Karandikar stressed the necessity of dismantling these barriers, promoting open communication, and fostering joint ventures between universities, research institutions, and private sector companies. This collaboration shouldn't be limited to a few leading institutions; it must be inclusive, encompassing technical colleges and vocational training centers across the country.

"The era of isolated innovation is over," Dr. Karandikar stated. "To compete on a global stage, we need a networked ecosystem where knowledge flows freely, and expertise is shared widely." He proposed a national platform - potentially managed by FSFTI in collaboration with SAE India and other key stakeholders - to facilitate these connections, enabling institutions to identify complementary strengths and initiate collaborative projects.

Future-Proofing Skills: Aligning Education with Industry Needs

The rapid pace of technological advancement necessitates a continuous reassessment of educational curricula. Dr. Karandikar emphasized the urgency of developing skills relevant to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, advanced materials science, biotechnology, and sustainable energy solutions. However, simply teaching these technologies isn't enough. Students must also be equipped with critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability - skills essential for navigating a rapidly changing job market.

This requires a fundamental overhaul of the current education system, moving away from rote learning towards a more experiential, project-based approach. Industry involvement is crucial in this regard, with companies providing mentorship, internships, and real-world challenges for students. Several initiatives are already underway, including the establishment of industry-sponsored research centers within universities and the development of specialized training programs tailored to specific industry needs. Expanding these initiatives and ensuring their scalability will be vital.

Bridging the Academia-Industry Gap: From Research to Real-World Applications

A long-standing challenge in India has been the disconnect between academic research and industrial application. Often, groundbreaking research languishes in university labs, never translated into marketable products or services. Dr. Karandikar highlighted the importance of incentivizing researchers to collaborate with industry, providing funding for translational research, and streamlining the process of intellectual property transfer.

"We need to create a virtuous cycle where academic research drives industrial innovation, and industrial challenges inspire new avenues of research," he explained. This requires a change in mindset on both sides. Universities must prioritize research with clear commercial potential, while companies must be willing to invest in long-term research collaborations.

The Global Context: Facing Increasing Competition

Dr. Karandikar's call for unity comes at a critical juncture. India faces intensifying competition from nations like China, the United States, and increasingly, Southeast Asian economies, all vying for dominance in the global knowledge economy. These countries are investing heavily in research and development, attracting top talent, and creating favorable ecosystems for innovation. To remain competitive, India must accelerate its own efforts and prioritize long-term strategic investments.

A Shift in Mindset: Embracing Innovation and Excellence

Ultimately, Dr. Karandikar believes that achieving the 2040 vision requires a fundamental shift in national mindset. India needs to cultivate a culture that celebrates innovation, encourages risk-taking, and rewards excellence. This means fostering entrepreneurship, supporting startups, and creating a regulatory environment that is conducive to innovation.

"We need to empower our citizens to become innovators and problem-solvers," Dr. Karandikar concluded. "This is not just a technological imperative, but a national one. The future of India depends on our ability to harness the power of knowledge and innovation."