India’s gross expenditure in Research & Development (R&D) has shown a significant rise, tripling over a decade from 2008 to 2018. Furthermore, the quantity of scientific publications has seen a boost, and India now ranks among the top nations globally in this field. The source of this data is the Research & Development Statistics and Indicators 2019-20 report. This report was based on the National Science and Technology Survey 2018, which was released by the National Science and Technology Management Information (NSTMIS). Besides, the evidence-based policymaking and planning in higher education, R&D activities, support, Intellectual property, and Industrial competitiveness are all informed by this report.
Key Points from the Report
Substantial findings from this report shed light on different aspects.
According to the report, government sectors primarily drive R&D. There has been a near tripling of India’s Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) from 2007-08 to 2017-18. Alongside, per capita R&D expenditure has amplified by 1.5 times.
The report also shows a notable increase in extramural R&D support by central science and technology agencies. Furthermore, the participation of women in extramural R&D projects has grown significantly, moving from 13% in 2000-01 to 24% in 2016-17. These expenditures are on R&D performed abroad but financed by domestic institutions. In 2017-18, India spent 0.7% of its GDP on R&D. In contrast, Brazil spent 1.3%, the Russian Federation 1.1%, China 2.1%, and South Africa 0.8%.
Researchers and Publications
The number of researchers per million populations has doubled since 2000. After the USA and China, India ranks third in terms of the number of Ph.D. awarded in Science and Engineering (S&E). As per the NSF database, India is ranked third among countries in scientific publication.
Patent Filings
India is at the ninth position globally concerning Resident Patent Filing activity. In 2017-18, Indian residents filed 32% of total patents in India. The majority of patent applications filed in India are in disciplines like Mechanical, Chemical, Computer/Electronics, and Communication. The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) ranks India’s Patent Office at the seventh position within the top 10 Patent Filing Offices worldwide.
National Science and Technology Management Information
The National Science and Technology Management Information System (NSTMIS) exists under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) wing. Its significant task is to continuously build an information base on resources devoted to scientific and technological activities for policy planning in India.
Last Modified: February 7, 2024