According to the recently released 2019-20 Science & Technology Indicators (STI) report, India’s performance in science and technology innovation leaves room for improvement. The STI report, published by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), presents a comprehensive snapshot of the nation’s foray into this sector. An essential factor to be considered is patent data, which provides direct insight into innovative activity.
Patent Data: A Closer Look
The data reveals that between 2005-06 and 2017-18, India had 510,000 patents filed. However, almost three-quarters of these applications originated from foreign entities or individuals. This statistic indicates that over the span of 13 years, just 24% of patent claims were filed by natives of India. The patent filing process is regulated by the Patents Act of 1970. A patent is considered as a property right bestowed to an inventor by a sovereign authority, granting them exclusive rights to their invention for a specified period. The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) ranks India at the seventh position regarding the number of patents filed. China is leading the rank, followed by the USA and Japan.
Reasons behind Subpar Performance
Several reasons contribute to India’s less than stellar performance in science and technology innovation. Poor governmental and private sector investment in research and development (R&D) is one of the significant roadblocks. Additionally, the state of higher education and a deficiency of employable personnel with necessary skills in various fields affect the national innovative prowess. Start-ups, another critical aspect of innovation, struggle due to lack of funds and a nurturing environment. A recent report by the IBM Institute for Business Value explains that a majority of Indian start-ups fail because they lack pioneering ideas based on new technologies, unique business models, and often end up replicating successful ideas from other markets.
The Culture of Makeshift Solutions
In India, the culture of makeshift or ‘Jugaad’ solutions is respected. Often termed as frugal innovation, this approach may provide short term solutions but has limited scope for long-term, sustainable innovation in science and technology.
Suggestions to Foster Innovation
To bolster innovation in India, it is suggested to increase research content at significant institutions, particularly universities. National labs could collaborate with universities to foster new knowledge ecosystems. It is also recommended to encourage greater public engagement with science and research establishments, attract more global scientists to work in India, enhance scientific temperament among students, and strengthen higher education. There is a significant need for increased R&D funding and the creation of an innovation-friendly environment. The private sector’s participation in R&D should also be ramped up.
A Look at the Future
For sustainable growth, India needs to focus not just on immediate, makeshift solutions but also on pure research leading to the development of new and original ideas. Experience from developing countries reveals that well-integrated Science & Technology Innovation policies into national development strategies can boost productivity, enhance firm competitiveness, accelerate growth, and create jobs. As India formulates a new national Science Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP 2020), these lessons from the past can provide valuable guidance.
Last Modified: February 9, 2024