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RESEARCH PROPOSAL
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT TRENDS IN INDIA
1. Introduction
Research and Development (R&D) plays a critical role in determining a nation's
productivity and economic growth. Empirical data underlines that a robust R&D infrastructure
directly contributes to a nation’s sustained growth and creates employment opportunities1. At the
time of India’s independence in 1947, the West was already far ahead in terms of Science and
Technology, while a fledgling India was confronted with multiple challenges. The excruciating
partition, a fragile economy, massive chaos, and the newly discovered political autonomy;
everything had to be taken charge of together 2. Even then R&D was a part of the Government’s
plan under the Indian Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the cultivator of scientific temper
in India. But many of his policies proved a practical failure owing to a closed economy and the
results were not evident in the short run 3 .
Research establishment in India has been growing significantly over the past decade.
Liberalization and the subsequent opening of the Indian economy from 1991 onwards are
beginning to make significant impacts. Lowering customs duties has played a key role in
facilitating and encouraging investment in R&D. There has been progress in building new
institutions and established institutions are now expanding their research capabilities. India has
improved its rank in the Global Innovation Index (GII) by climbing 15 spots4, from 81 to 66 as
well as maintained the top spot in the Central and South Asia regions; has scored high on tertiary
education and R&D. The quality of its universities and scientific publications, its market
sophistication, information, and communication technology service exports, where it ranks first
in the world, according to the GII Index. The need for focus on R&D has been highlighted under
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). According to SDG 9 highlights that ‘Investment in
infrastructure and innovation are crucial drivers of economic growth and development. SDG 9
calls on governments to promote sustainable industrialization and innovation by ramping up
spending on R&D and increasing the number of researchers. The SDG agenda provides a
1
Chetty, Priya & Agarwal, Ankita, “An overview of R&D in India”, Wired, last modified March 13, 2023,
2
Khureja, Kunal. R&D in India; Status, Challenges & Recommendation. 2023.
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Joseph, Reji K; Dhar, Biswajit, & Singh, Akoijam Amitkumar. FDI in R&D in India, An Analysis of Recent Trends. Institute of
Studies in Industrial Development, 2019.
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Shira, Dezan. R&D in India, trends and opportunities. 2023.
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country like India with an excellent opportunity to further integrate R&D to deal with various
developmental challenges5.
The Indian R&D System can be grouped by way of a variety of performers and funding
sources with five main R&D stakeholders i.e. Central Government, State Government, Public
Sector industries, Private sector industries, and higher education institutions 6. These stakeholders
are contributing significantly in various sectors. As per the Department of Science &
Technology, the allocation of funds in 2017/ 18 with the maximum going to Defense Research &
Development Organization (31.6%), followed by Space (19%), Atomic Energy (10.8%), General
R&D agencies like Agriculture, Scientific & Industrial Research, Science & Technology,
Biotechnology, and Medical, etc. (37%) and only 0.9% for R&D in electronics, IT and
Renewable Energy. Budget 2022-23 and the next 10 years focus on areas like Cyber Security,
Artificial Intelligence, Cloud computing, Geospatial Systems and drones, semiconductor, space,
genomics & pharmaceutical, green energy, and clean mobility systems7.
The main contributing factors driving R&D in India are the availability of an affordable
workforce, good educational institutes & skilled workforce, a huge domestic market, policy
support, and a rise in global capacity centers 8. R&D helps in the development of new
technologies and improves existing ones, contributing to economic growth. It also helps in
creating low-cost indigenous solutions besides reducing imports of high-end technologies. R&D
also enhances National Security as domestic R&D requirements from foreign countries increase
the vulnerability to espionage and cyber-attacks.
Presently, India is investing less than 0.8% of its GDP on R&D 9. Many countries are also
investing in R&D in different sectors but Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India’s R&D
constitutes only a meagre part of total FDI inflows to India, although India has been
characterized as a leading destination for offshore corporate R&D globally. Information,
communication and technology, natural sciences & engineering and pharmaceuticals are the
leading sectors receiving FDI in R&D. The main contributing countries for FDI Equity inflow
are the US, France, Singapore, Germany, Oman, and Mauritius10.
5
Research & Development Statistics 2019-20. Government of India, Ministry of Science and Technology.
6
Chetty, Priya & Agarwal, Ankita, “An overview of R&D in India”, Wired, last modified March 13, 2023,
7
Anand, JC. India’s R&D spends amongst the lowest in the world: NITI Aayog study. The Economic Times, 2022.
88
Joseph, Reji K; Dhar, Biswajit, & Singh, Akoijam Amitkumar. FDI in R&D in India, An Analysis of Recent Trends. Institute of
Studies in Industrial Development, 2019.
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Harnessing Private Sector investment in R&D. Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
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India Business Trade. March, 2023.
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This study is an attempt to identify the recent trends in various sectors (including
defense) in India and their effects on the overall development of the country with a view to
highlighting potential risks/ challenges together with recommending various takeaways for
Pakistan in its improvement in the R&D sector.
2. Significance of Study
India has been rapidly emerging as a global innovation hub in recent years, with R&D
playing a crucial role in driving its growth. There has been a growing emphasis on advanced
technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), information, communication and technology,
and the Internet of Things (IoT) in R&D in India 11. The Indian government has been providing
significant support for R&D efforts, including through funding, policy initiatives, and regulatory
framework
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. The study on the latest trends in research and development in India can provide insights into
the country’s innovative potential, technological capabilities, and areas of expertise highlighting
strengths and weaknesses of India's economy, technology, and innovation ecosystem. By
studying these trends, policymakers in Pakistan can identify potential opportunities for growth
and development, and take steps to enhance their own research and development capabilities. By
anticipating these challenges, policymakers can develop strategies to mitigate risks and
maximize opportunities.
3. Objectives of the Study
The objective of this study is to provide a deliberate review of the latest R&D
developments in India. It examines key trends, drivers, and future prospects for R&D including
India’s emerging role as an attractive location for R&D and knowledge process service
industries. The study also focuses on the numerous factors that added to the development of
India’s R&D capabilities, such as human resources and infrastructure developments, the
intellectual property rights legislation, compliance conditions and overall governance issues.
Finally, this paper discusses India’s emergence as a global R&D power with special focus on
following:-
a. To identify main sectors in India, contributing significantly in R&D.
b. To identify the future focus of India in various R&D sectors such as cloud
computing, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics.
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Pal, Suresh. Agricultural R&D Policy in India: The Funding, Institutions and Impact.
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Pal, Suresh. Agricultural R&D Policy in India: The Funding, Institutions and Impact.
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13
Joseph, Reji K; Dhar, Biswajit, & Singh, Akoijam Amitkumar. FDI in R&D in India, an Analysis of Recent Trends. Institute of
Studies in Industrial Development, 2019.
14
Khureja, Kunal. R&D in India; Status, Challenges & Recommendation. 2023.
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who contribute their varying shares to fund the country’s research and development. Indian
University Grants Commission has directed every academic institution to establish an R&D Cell
to facilitate networking & collaborations for interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research.
JC Anand in his article explained with facts and figures on India spending lowest in R&D
in the world as compared to other countries. As per Dezan Shira (2019), India has emerged as the
choice location for cutting-edge Research and Development (R&D) projects for global
companies across industries. Companies from information technology
(IT), automobile, pharmaceutical, telecommunications sector and many other sectors have set up
their captive technology centers in the country to step up R&D in areas like Internet of Things
(IoT), artificial intelligence, and data analytics 15. The Central Government has invested the major
share in India since its independence, however, it is on a decline while that of the private sector
is increasing. Corporate India is finally looking forward to R&D for product innovation as the
major re-investment destination. India is an exception in this regard, as, in most nations, the
Central Government’s share in the total R&D expenditure is far lesser than that of the Private
Sector.
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Shira, Dezan. R&D in India, trends and opportunities. 2023.
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James, Stephen. What is R&D? Its role in Business and how it relates R&D tax credits, 2022.
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Figure: A glimpse of R&D and its Significance among top of the line Nations across World
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Chetty, Priya & Agarwal, Ankita. An Overview of Research and Development in India. 2022.
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protein sources to meet the increasing global food demand while minimizing
environmental impact.
These main sectors of R&D represent areas where significant advancements, investments, and
collaborations are anticipated as societies strive for technological progress, sustainability, and
improved quality of life.
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James, Stephen. What is R&D? Its role in Business and how it relates R&D tax credits, 2022.
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James, Stephen. What is R&D? Its role in Business and how it relates R&D tax credits, 2022.
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These comparative effects demonstrate how practicing R&D in the most highlighted sectors
contributes to societal progress, economic development, and sustainable solutions in various
domains, tax breaks, and supportive regulatory frameworks can encourage the establishment of
startups focused on R&D in the highlighted sectors. Startup incubators and accelerators can also
provide necessary resources and mentorship to foster growth.
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James, Stephen. What is R&D? Its role in Business and how it relates R&D tax credits, 2022.
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Chetty, Priya & Agarwal, Ankita. An Overview of Research and Development in India. 2022.
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3. Space and Aerospace: India's space program, led by the Indian Space Research
Organization (ISRO), has made significant contributions through R&D efforts.
ISRO has helped develop many applications of space technology for the benefit of
society, including satellite communication, remote sensing, meteorology, and
navigation systems. ISRO technology is used to monitor natural resources and
manage disasters, provide tele-education and telemedicine services, as well as
improve rural connectivity.
4. Information Technology (IT) and Software: The IT sector in India has been a
driving force for R&D, with a focus on software development, IT services, and
emerging technologies. R&D efforts in this sector have led to innovations in areas
such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cyber security, cloud computing,
and data analytics.
5. Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology: India has a robust pharmaceutical and
biotechnology industry that heavily relies on R&D for drug discovery,
development, and clinical trials. R&D investments have helped in the
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Murali, Swetha. Research and Development in India – An Overview. 2019.
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analytics. The pharmaceuticals and biotechnology sector invests in R&D for drug discovery,
development, and clinical trials, resulting in advancements in healthcare and access to affordable
medicines. The energy sector emphasizes renewable resources and sustainable development,
including solar power, wind energy, and energy storage technologies. R&D in agriculture and
food processing addresses challenges in crop improvement, farming practices, and food security.
The space and aerospace sector, led by ISRO, drives R&D in satellite technology, space
exploration, and communication. Automotive and transportation R&D focuses on sustainable
transportation solutions, including electric vehicles and intelligent transportation systems. Lastly,
R&D efforts in healthcare and medical technology drive innovations in medical devices,
telemedicine, and precision medicine. These sectors collectively contribute to India's growth,
innovation, and socioeconomic progress24.
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Murali, Swetha. Research and Development in India – An Overview. 2019.
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Patil, Sameer & Manhas, Neeraj Singh. Accelerating the pace of India’s defence Research. 2022.
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Patil, Sameer & Manhas, Neeraj Singh. Accelerating the pace of India’s defence Research. 2022.
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The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) of India plays a vital role
in defense R&D. It spearheads various research programs, collaborations, and technology
transfers to develop indigenous defense capabilities. The DRDO focuses on research,
design, and prototyping of defense equipment, as well as conducting field trials to ensure
reliability and effectiveness.
In summary, R&D is a driving force behind India's positioning in defense. It empowers the
country to develop advanced defense technologies, reduce dependency on imports, achieve self-
reliance, and enhance the operational capabilities of its armed forces. By investing in R&D, India
can strengthen its defense industry, enhance national security, and maintain a competitive edge
in the global defense arena.
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India has traditionally relied on imports for a significant portion of its Research and
Development (R&D) requirements, particularly in the defense and technology sectors. However,
in recent years, the country has made substantial efforts to bolster in-house R&D capabilities and
reduce dependency on foreign imports. Initiatives like "Make in India" and the Defense Research
and Development Organization (DRDO) have emphasized indigenous development of defense
technologies. The aim is to enhance self-reliance, reduce costs, promote domestic innovation,
and strengthen the domestic R&D ecosystem. While imports continue to play a role, the focus on
building indigenous R&D capabilities reflects India's commitment to becoming self-sufficient in
critical sectors, fostering innovation, and reducing reliance on external sources for its R&D
needs.27
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Patil, Sameer & Manhas, Neeraj Singh. Accelerating the pace of India’s defence Research. 2022.
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report also suggests leveraging technology and innovation, building partnerships with like-
minded nations, and prioritizing investments in critical areas such as cyber security and space
technology. The recommendations provided in the report offer a strategic roadmap for India to
bolster its defense capabilities and ensure the country's security and stability in the dynamic
geopolitical landscape of the future.
What will be the areas of focus for R&D in the next 10 years down the line in India?
According to an interview published in Business Today, there are several areas of focus for
research and development (R&D) in India over the next 10 years. The interview highlights that
sectors such as information technology, pharmaceuticals, energy, agriculture, and healthcare will
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continue to be significant areas for R&D investment. In the IT sector, the focus will be on
emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity. In
pharmaceuticals, R&D efforts will concentrate on drug discovery, vaccine development, and
biotechnology advancements. The energy sector will prioritize R&D in renewable energy
sources, energy storage, and efficiency. In agriculture, the focus will be on sustainable farming
practices, crop improvement, and food processing. Finally, R&D in healthcare will center on
medical technology, telemedicine, and precision medicine. These areas of focus align with
India's goals of enhancing innovation, self-reliance, and addressing key challenges in various
sectors to drive economic growth and societal development.28
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3 Emerging Technology R&D Trends. 2019.
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seek to attract research talent, promote scientific collaboration, and create conducive
environments for R&D activities.29
Secondly, technological advancements and disruptive innovations have increased the urgency to
stay ahead in the R&D race. Countries understand that breakthroughs in areas like artificial
intelligence, biotechnology, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing can transform industries,
reshape economies, and provide a significant competitive advantage.30
Furthermore, national security considerations play a role in the R&D race. Countries invest in
defense-related R&D to enhance military capabilities, develop advanced weapon systems, and
safeguard their strategic interests.31
As a result of the R&D race, countries compete for resources, talent, funding, and intellectual
property. They establish research institutions, innovation hubs, and create policies to incentivize
private sector investment in R&D. Governments also formulate national R&D strategies and
collaborate with academia, industry, and international partners to accelerate innovation. The
global R&D race has positive implications, such as fostering technological progress, improving
living standards, and addressing global challenges. However, it can also lead to concerns like
29
3 Emerging Technology R&D Trends. 2019.
Tripathy, Sushanta; Ray, Pradip Kumar & Sahu, Sukant Kumar. “Factors governing R&D practices in India
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intellectual property disputes, brain drain, and unequal access to benefits. To address these
challenges, international collaboration, knowledge sharing, and responsible innovation are vital
to ensure that R&D advancements benefit societies and promote sustainable development
globally.32
1. Information Technology (IT) and Software: The IT sector is known for its high-
profit potential, driven by the demand for software solutions, cloud computing,
data analytics, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and block
chain. Companies that innovate in this sector can benefit from scalability,
recurring revenue models, and global market reach.
2. Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology: The pharmaceutical industry can be highly
profitable, particularly when breakthrough drugs or treatments are discovered.
Patented drugs with high market demand and limited competition can generate
substantial revenues. However, the sector also involves significant R&D costs,
stringent regulatory requirements, and lengthy development timelines.
3. Energy and Renewable Resources: The profitability of the energy sector varies
depending on factors such as energy prices, government policies, and
technological advancements. In recent years, renewable energy has shown
promising growth, with the potential for profitability driven by declining costs of
solar and wind technologies, as well as favorable incentives and increasing public
demand for sustainable energy solutions.
4. Automotive and Transportation: The profitability of R&D in the automotive
sector depends on factors like market demand, consumer preferences, and
technological innovations. Advancements in electric vehicles, autonomous
Tripathy, Sushanta; Ray, Pradip Kumar & Sahu, Sukant Kumar. “Factors governing R&D practices in India
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Tripathy, Sushanta; Ray, Pradip Kumar & Sahu, Sukant Kumar. “Factors governing R&D practices in India
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and more effective R&D processes. The rising emphasis on personalized services
and data-driven decision-making will continue to drive the demand for data
science expertise and R&D investment in this field.
Overall, the future prospects for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data science are
highly promising. Continued R&D efforts in these sectors will drive technological
advancements, innovation, and business growth, allowing organizations to stay competitive in a
rapidly evolving global landscape.
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3 Emerging Technology R&D Trends. 2019.
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Why India will go after these and what is India’s current situation regarding the resources
required
India is actively pursuing research and development (R&D) in sectors such as cloud computing,
artificial intelligence (AI), and data science due to several reasons. Firstly, these sectors have
immense potential to drive economic growth, technological innovation, and job creation. By
investing in R&D in these areas, India aims to position itself as a global leader in cutting-edge
technologies and gain a competitive edge in the global market.
However, India currently faces some challenges in terms of resources required for R&D. One of
the main challenges is the availability of skilled talent. India needs to invest in developing a
robust pool of professionals with expertise in cloud computing, AI, and data science. This
requires a focus on quality education, specialized training programs, and research institutions
that can nurture talent in these fields.
While India has made significant progress in these sectors, there is still room for improvement.
The government and private sector are increasingly recognizing the importance of investing in
R&D and are taking steps to address these resource challenges. Initiatives such as the
establishment of AI research institutes, funding programs, and skill development initiatives are
being implemented to strengthen India's R&D capabilities in these sectors.
Overall, India is making efforts to overcome resource challenges and tap into the potential of
cloud computing, AI, and data science by investing in R&D and building the necessary
infrastructure and talent pool.36
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Chetty, Priya & Agarwal, Ankita. An Overview of Research and Development in India. 2022.
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strengthening the regulatory framework. Although the number of research papers published in
India is increasing, their impact is limited due to low impact factors and language barriers.
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By addressing these classifications of challenges, India can work towards improving its research
and innovation ecosystem and achieving comparable performance to leading nations in these
domains.37
Perceived Conclusion
India is actively pursuing research and development in emerging technologies like cloud
computing, artificial intelligence, and data science to drive economic growth and innovation.
There are challenges for India in this area, including the availability of skilled talent and
infrastructure. However, the government and private sector are investing in initiatives to support
research and development activities. These include education programs, research infrastructure,
and funding. With these efforts, India aims to become a global leader in these cutting-edge
technologies and gain a competitive advantage internationally.
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Chetty, Priya & Agarwal, Ankita. An Overview of Research and Development in India. 2022.
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These factors collectively contribute to the growth of R&D in India, attracting investments,
fostering innovation, and driving technological advancements in various sectors.38
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Investments in India. 2022.
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Tripathy, Sushanta; Ray, Pradip Kumar & Sahu, Sukant Kumar. “Factors governing R&D practices in India
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India has emerged as an attractive investment destination, drawing the attention of both domestic
and international investors. The country's robust economic growth, large consumer base, and
favorable business environment have positioned it as one of the fastest-growing economies in the
world. India offers a diverse range of investment opportunities across various sectors, including
infrastructure, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and renewable energy. The government's
proactive policies, such as the introduction of initiatives like Make in India, Digital India, and
GST, have further improved the ease of doing business and encouraged investments. India's
young and dynamic workforce, coupled with its strong entrepreneurial culture, provides a
conducive environment for innovation and growth. With a focus on attracting foreign direct
investment (FDI) and promoting domestic investments, India aims to create a favorable
investment ecosystem that fosters economic development, job creation, and technological
advancements.41
Equipment and India
India has been steadily expanding its manufacturing capabilities, including the production of
various types of equipment. The country has seen growth in the manufacturing sector, driven by
initiatives such as Make in India, which aims to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce
dependence on imports. India has emerged as a hub for the production of equipment in industries
such as automobiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and renewable energy. The
availability of a skilled workforce, competitive labor costs, and a large domestic market
contribute to India's attractiveness as a manufacturing destination. The government has also
implemented policies to encourage investment in the manufacturing sector, including providing
incentives and simplifying regulatory procedures. Additionally, advancements in technology and
infrastructure have further supported the growth of equipment manufacturing in India. With a
focus on enhancing domestic production capabilities, India aims to become self-reliant and
establish itself as a global manufacturing hub for a wide range of equipment.42
Tripathy, Sushanta; Ray, Pradip Kumar & Sahu, Sukant Kumar. “Factors governing R&D practices in India
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technological advancements. One notable collaboration is between India and Canada, known as
the Canada-India Research Centre of Excellence (CIRCE) in AI. This collaboration aims to
promote joint research projects, exchange of expertise, and collaborative development of AI
technologies. Another significant partnership is the collaboration between India and Japan,
specifically the Japan-India Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Network (JAI-C). This initiative
focuses on enhancing cooperation in AI research, technology development, and policy
discussions between the two countries. Additionally, India has partnered with Finland through
the Centre of Excellence in AI and Robotics to drive collaborative research, innovation, and skill
development in the field of AI. These international collaborations play a crucial role in
facilitating knowledge exchange, leveraging global expertise, and fostering cross-cultural
learning, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of India's AI ecosystem.43
Geographical leverage/Geo Politics and India
India's geopolitical rise has significant regional implications and provides the country with
geographical leverage. Situated in South Asia, India's strategic location gives it access to
important trade routes and connects it to various regions, including the Middle East, Central
Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean. India's growing economic and military strength,
coupled with its democratic values, positions the country as a key player in regional and global
affairs. With its "Act East" policy, India aims to strengthen its engagement with Southeast Asian
nations and establish itself as a major regional power. Additionally, India's participation in
initiatives such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association and the Quad (comprising India, the United
States, Japan, and Australia) highlights its efforts to enhance regional cooperation and maintain
stability. India's geographical leverage also plays a role in its energy security, as it seeks to
diversify its energy sources and develop partnerships with oil-rich nations. Furthermore, India's
proximity to conflict-prone regions like Afghanistan and its involvement in peacekeeping
operations demonstrate its commitment to regional stability. Overall, India's geographical
advantage and its active role in regional geopolitics have implications for security, trade, and
diplomatic relations, shaping the country's influence in the broader geopolitical landscape.44
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innovation across various sectors. Pakistan can recognize the importance of investing in R&D to
foster economic growth, enhance competitiveness, and drive technological progress. Secondly,
India's focus on sectors like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data science highlights
the relevance of these areas for future development. Pakistan can prioritize these sectors and
allocate resources to build capabilities and expertise in order to leverage their potential benefits.
Additionally, Pakistan can learn from India's collaborations and partnerships in the international
arena, such as in the field of AI. Strengthening international collaborations can enable
knowledge sharing, research cooperation, and access to global expertise. Lastly, India's human
resources play a significant role in driving R&D activities. Pakistan can invest in education and
skill development programs to nurture a talented workforce capable of driving innovation and
contributing to R&D efforts. By adopting these key takeaways, Pakistan can enhance its R&D
ecosystem, foster technological advancements, and bolster its economic and competitive
standing in the global arena.45
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Nauman, Muhammad. “Science and Technology in Pakistan”. 2016.
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can slow down the pace of research, discourage innovation, and hinder collaboration with
other institutions or industries.
5. Intellectual property protection: Inadequate intellectual property protection can
discourage investment in R&D. Without proper safeguards for intellectual property
rights, researchers and organizations may be reluctant to share their findings or invest in
long-term projects.
6. Limited industry-academia collaboration: Collaboration between academia and industry
is crucial for effective R&D. However, limited collaboration and knowledge transfer
between these two sectors can hinder the translation of research outcomes into practical
applications.46
7. Infrastructure for commercialization: Establishing mechanisms and support systems for
the commercialization of research outcomes is crucial. Lack of infrastructure and
resources to facilitate the successful transfer of research findings into marketable
products or services can be a constraint on overall R&D infrastructure.
Addressing these constraints requires a comprehensive approach involving increased funding,
improved infrastructure, targeted skill development programs, streamlined regulatory processes,
enhanced intellectual property protection, stronger industry-academia collaboration, and support
for commercialization efforts. Overcoming these constraints can help build a robust R&D
ecosystem that drives innovation, technological progress, and economic growth.47
46
Rahman, Atta. “Science and Technology in Pakistan: The Way Forward”. 2002.
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“Pakistan: A Land of Opportunities”. Government of Pakistan – Finance Division.
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Nauman, Muhammad. “Science and Technology in Pakistan”. 2016
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made, Pakistan's current R&D stance reflects a commitment to harnessing innovation and
technology for sustainable development and economic growth.49
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Rahman, Atta. “Science and Technology in Pakistan: The Way Forward”. 2002.
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Addressing these loopholes requires proactive measures, such as increasing R&D funding,
fostering collaboration between academia and industry, streamlining regulatory processes,
strengthening intellectual property protection, and investing in skill development programs. A
comprehensive approach that addresses these challenges can help create a favorable environment
for R&D, leading to more impactful and innovative outcomes.50
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Rahman, Atta. “Science and Technology in Pakistan: The Way Forward”. 2002.
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Pakistan has the potential to focus on several sectors to drive economic growth and development.
Here are some sectors that Pakistan could consider prioritizing:
1. Information Technology (IT) and Software Development: Pakistan has a
growing IT industry with a skilled workforce. By investing in IT infrastructure,
promoting digital literacy, and supporting software development initiatives,
Pakistan can position itself as a hub for IT services, software exports, and
technology innovation.
2. Agriculture and Agribusiness: Pakistan has a strong agricultural base and can
capitalize on this sector by promoting modern farming practices, agricultural
research, and value-added agribusiness ventures. Emphasizing agricultural
technology, irrigation systems, and improving supply chains can enhance
productivity, increase exports, and improve rural livelihoods.
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Investing in the aforementioned sectors can bring both short-term and long-term benefits to
Pakistan's economy and society.
In the short term, focusing on sectors such as Information Technology and Software
Development can create immediate job opportunities, especially for the country's growing youth
population. The IT industry can attract foreign investment, generate export revenue through
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Rahman, Atta. “Science and Technology in Pakistan: The Way Forward”. 2002.
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software development and IT services, and contribute to GDP growth. This can lead to a positive
balance of payments, improved foreign exchange reserves, and an overall boost to the economy.
Investing in the Agriculture and Agribusiness sector can enhance food security, increase
agricultural productivity, and improve rural livelihoods. Short-term benefits include higher
agricultural yields, reduced post-harvest losses, and increased income for farmers. This, in turn,
can help alleviate poverty, create rural employment opportunities, and enhance the overall living
standards of rural communities.
In the Energy and Renewable Resources sector, the short-term benefits include addressing the
energy deficit and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. By promoting renewable energy
sources, Pakistan can achieve energy diversification, reduce the burden on the national grid, and
mitigate the impact of frequent power shortages. This will lead to improved energy access,
increased industrial productivity, and a more sustainable energy mix.52
In the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sector, short-term benefits include advancements in
healthcare and medical research. Developing indigenous pharmaceutical products can reduce
dependence on imported medicines, ensure the affordability and availability of essential drugs,
and improve the overall healthcare system. This can positively impact public health outcomes,
reduce healthcare costs, and contribute to the well-being of the population.
Investing in sectors such as Textiles and Apparel can bring short-term benefits through increased
exports, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings. By focusing on value addition, product
diversification, and improving quality standards, Pakistan can attract international buyers and
strengthen its position in the global textile market. This can stimulate economic growth, reduce
unemployment, and enhance the country's export competitiveness.
Long-term benefits in these sectors include sustainable economic growth, technology transfer,
skill development, and human capital enhancement. By investing in education and skill
development, Pakistan can build a knowledge-based economy, foster innovation, and nurture a
highly skilled workforce. This will create a positive ripple effect across various sectors, driving
long-term productivity gains, attracting further investment, and establishing Pakistan as a
regional hub for research and development.
Additionally, sectors like Tourism and Hospitality can contribute to long-term economic
diversification, create employment opportunities, and showcase Pakistan's rich cultural heritage
52
“Pakistan: A Land of Opportunities”. Government of Pakistan – Finance Division.
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and natural beauty to the world. This can lead to sustained growth in tourism revenue, foreign
exchange earnings, and the development of tourism-related industries and infrastructure.
Overall, investing in these sectors can deliver both short-term gains and long-term sustainable
development, positioning Pakistan for economic progress, job creation, and improved living
standards for its citizens.
6. Gap of Knowledge
The gap of knowledge in studying the latest research and development in India is the
need for more comprehensive research that goes beyond the surface-level analysis of the latest
trends that provides a deeper understanding of the factors that are shaping the country's
innovation landscape. While there is literature available that discusses the latest R&D trends in
India, but there is a need to identify the latest R&D trends and progress being made in different
important sectors contributing significantly towards development and economic growth.
Moreover, data available and consulted on the subject allows the reader to understand the
contributions made by India in R&D including its future perspective but its implication for
Pakistan needs comprehensive research on the specific implications of India's research and
development trends, the role of government policies and initiatives in promoting or hindering
collaboration between India and Pakistan. This can allow Pakistan's ability to formulate effective
policies to promote collaboration in these areas.
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India and its implication on Pakistan would provide a structured approach to the study,
guiding the researcher on the key concepts and variables that need to be considered. Key
concepts such as research and development, innovation, technology transfer, intellectual property
rights, investment, and collaboration, among others research and development trends in India can
be based on the "National Innovation Systems" (NIS) framework 53. This framework highlights
the importance of understanding the interactions and relationships between various stakeholders
involved in the innovation process including firms, universities, research institutions,
government agencies, and other organizations. The NIS framework emphasizes that innovation is
not just about developing new products or technologies, but also about creating an enabling
environment that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship 54. These concepts would be used to
define the scope of the study and identify the relationships between the different variables. The
conceptual framework would also identify the research approach and methodology to be used in
the study, involve the identification of the data sources, research methods, and analytical
techniques that will be used to analyze the data collected.
9. Methodology
The research will be conducted using information collected from secondary sources like
books, journals, newspaper articles and internet articles. It will follow a deductive approach
where existing information on the subject will be analyzed to answer the research questions.
There is a lack of comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analysis around areas like R&D
inputs and outputs, corporate behavior, high-tech industry clusters and international networks in
India. So there is a need to define relevant indicators and analysis methods to properly examine
R&D developments in India55.
10. Limitation of the Study
The study had a limitation in that it only analyzed research articles published in academic
journals. It did not include other types of publications that could contain relevant information,
such as book reviews, editorials, field notes, reports from organizations, and open access sources.
53
Henry, Nickie; Makada, Frimpong Kwadwo, & Sun, Hao. Trends in the Information Technology sector. Brookings, 2019.
54
Harnessing Private Sector investment in R&D. Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
55
India’s Emergence as a Global R&D Center
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