Why in News?
India’s ability to innovate in critical technologies has been evident from historical achievements like the Raman Effect to recent advancements in semiconductors and Artificial Intelligence. However, the nation continues to face challenges in commercializing these innovations effectively. The lack of robust collaboration among academia, industry, and government has hindered India’s progress in becoming a self-reliant, technology-driven economy. This discussion emphasizes the urgent need to address these gaps and unlock India’s potential in core technologies to achieve sustainable economic growth and global competitiveness.
What is Core Technology?
- Definition: Core technology refers to foundational, advanced, and critical technologies that underpin innovation and drive growth across industries, economies, and national priorities.
Key Characteristics
- Foundational Nature: Acts as the building blocks for other technologies and applications.
- Wide Applicability: Applicable in various domains like defense, healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
- Strategic Importance: Determines a nation’s economic, military, and geopolitical strength.
Examples of Core Technology
- Semiconductors: Chips used in electronics, computing, and AI.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Technologies for machine learning, natural language processing, and automation.
- Quantum Computing: Advanced computing leveraging quantum mechanics.
- Cybersecurity: Tools for protecting digital infrastructure and data.
- Space Technology: Satellites, launch vehicles, and exploration tools.
- Advanced Manufacturing: 3D printing, robotics, and Industry 4.0.
- Green Technologies: Renewable energy like solar panels, wind turbines, and green hydrogen.
- Telecommunications: Enabling 5G, fiber optics, and next-gen communication systems.
Why Investing in Core Technologies is Crucial for India?
- Economic Growth and Global Competitiveness
- Drives innovation, improves productivity, and creates high-value jobs.
- AI market: Projected to reach $900 billion by 2030; National AI Mission aims to boost India’s share.
- Semiconductor market: $110 billion market deficit by 2030; PLI scheme promotes chip manufacturing.
- Strengthening National Security
- Core tech like cybersecurity and AI-driven surveillance address modern threats like cyberattacks.
- Example: CERT-In managed 1.39 million cybersecurity incidents in 2022.
- AI Tools: Real-time monitoring of borders like the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
- iDEX Initiative: Encourages private sector involvement in defense technologies like drones.
- Reducing Technological Dependence
- Heavy reliance on imports for semiconductors and high-end electronics hampers strategic autonomy.
- Semicon India Program: Aims to make India self-sufficient in chip production.
- Building a Knowledge-Based Society
- Enhances education, healthcare, and governance:
- Digital India Mission: Connects rural households to e-learning and e-health platforms.
- e-Sanjeevani: Facilitated 276 million teleconsultations in rural areas.
- Driving Climate Resilience and Sustainability
- Core technologies like renewable energy tech and climate modeling are crucial for India’s energy goals.
- Commitment to 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
- Investments in green hydrogen and solar power tech.
- Boosting Startups and Entrepreneurship
- India has over 100 unicorns and 157,000 startups, fostering global innovation leadership.
- Programs like Startup India provide critical funding and mentorship.
- Geopolitical Leverage
- Quad Semiconductor Supply Chain Initiative and iCET position India as a strategic partner.
- Enhances global ties, counters China’s dominance.
Challenges Hindering Core Tech Development in India
- Inadequate R&D Investment
- India’s R&D spending is only 0.65% of GDP.
- Countries like South Korea and Israel invest significantly higher.
- Shortage of Skilled Workforce
- Only 51% of graduates are employable (Economic Survey 2023-24).
- Emerging roles like data analysts and AI specialists require urgent skill enhancement.
- Dependence on Imports
- 95% of semiconductors are imported.
- Global semiconductor shortages during the pandemic severely affected industries.
- Policy Inconsistencies
- Shifts in government policies and delays in approvals discourage investments.
- Example: ₹76,000 crore semiconductor initiative (2021) has seen minimal progress.
- Limited Academia-Industry Collaboration
- Patent filings increased by 31.6% in 2022, but commercialization remains low.
- Lack of programs like the Bayh-Dole Act in the US.
- Insufficient Funding for Deep-Tech Startups
- Deep-tech funding dropped by 77% in 2023.
- Fragmented Climate-Tech Efforts
- Investment in energy storage tech lags behind global leaders like Germany and Japan.
Steps to Enhance Core Technology Development in India
- Increase R&D Investment
- Raise R&D spending to 2% of GDP.
- Create a National Core Technology Fund for AI, semiconductors, and quantum computing.
- Build Infrastructure for Core Tech
- Develop semiconductor fabs, quantum labs, and AI testbeds.
- Incentivize tech parks like Bangalore Technology Cluster.
- National Talent Strategy
- Reform Skill India to focus on AI, robotics, and blockchain.
- Update STEM curricula with emerging technologies.
- Boost Domestic Manufacturing
- Align initiatives like Make in India and FAME with tech sectors like EVs and batteries.
- Create an Innovation Ecosystem
- Expand Startup India to fund core-tech startups.
- Develop Innovation Exchange Platforms connecting IITs with industries.
- Strengthen Cybersecurity
- Expand Cyber Surakshit Bharat for real-time threat monitoring.
- Leverage Global Partnerships
- Collaborate through iCET, Quad Semiconductor Initiative, and partnerships with Japan and Germany.
- Promote Rural Tech Accessibility
- Accelerate BharatNet to bring broadband connectivity to rural areas.
- Encourage Sustainability
- Promote circular economy practices and Green Technology Zones.
- Enhance IP Framework
- Simplify the patent filing process and promote IP awareness campaigns.
- Encourage Gender Diversity in Tech
- Expand initiatives like Women in STEM with scholarships and mentorship.
- Secure Rare Earth Supplies
- Invest in rare earth mineral exploration and processing facilities.
Conclusion
India’s aspiration to become a technology-driven developed economy hinges on addressing gaps in core technology development and commercialization. Strengthening academia-industry-government collaboration, enhancing R&D funding, and fostering a robust innovation ecosystem are essential. These efforts will drive economic growth, enhance national security, and secure India’s position as a global technological leader.
