Introduction:
Innovative activity as a driver of competitiveness and economic growth. India’s improvement in the Global Innovation Index (GII) from 81 in 2015 to 46 in 2021. The need for further advancement to achieve self-reliance, especially in the digital revolution era.
Body:
Steps to Boost SIRD:
Increased Government Spending:
- SIRD reliant on government investment, infrastructure, and institutions.
- Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) tripled over the last decade.
- Per capita R&D expenditure rose to PPP $47.2 in 2017-18 from PPP $29.2 in 2007-08.
Uchhatar Avishkar Yojana (UAY):
- Promotes impactful innovation for industry needs.
- Strengthens Indian manufacturing’s competitive edge.
- Encourages academia-industry collaborations.
Opening of Defence R&D:
- Industry, startups, academia allowed in defence R&D.
- 25% of defence budget allocated for such activities.
Research Parks:
- IITs established research parks for industry-academia collaboration.
- Enhances entrepreneurship and R&D collaboration.
- E.g., Research parks at IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, etc.
NITI Aayog’s Initiatives:
- Supports policy-led innovation in sectors like electronics, biotech, etc.
- Releases India Innovation Index for competitiveness.
STIP Policy:
- Strengthens STI ecosystem for Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- Establishes National Research Foundation (NRF) to catalyze research.
IMPRINT Initiative:
- Focuses on viable tech solutions in key domains.
- Translates knowledge into technology.
- E.g., Healthcare, energy, advanced materials, etc.
PURSE Scheme:
- Boosts research capacity of Indian universities.
- Nurtures research ecosystem and R&D base.
Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme:
- Allocates ₹76,000 crores for semiconductor and display fabs.
- Fuels growth across sectors, leverages tech.
Tax Incentives and CSR:
- Offers R&D super deductions (200%).
- Allows corporate social responsibility investment in R&D.
Role of Robust IPR:
Increase in Patent Filing:
- Rising patents by Indian enterprises, institutions (8,841 in 2011 to 23,141 in 2020).
- Challenge in transforming applications to granted patents.
Jugaad Innovation:
- Suggestion for a petty patents regime.
- Limited protection for incremental innovations, especially by MSMEs.
Utility Models or Petty Patents:
- Provides short-term protection for minor innovations.
- Encourages innovation rivalries, especially among MSMEs.
IPR’s Role in Driving Innovations:
- Intellectual Property drives innovation by rewarding inventors.
- Government support in IPR filing promotes innovation and R&D.
Need for Robust IPR Policy:
- Emerging countries face challenges from developed nations.
- Necessity for a strong IPR policy amidst global trade dynamics.
Conclusion:
India’s ascent in global innovation rankings reflects its potential. R&D culture and innovation can be nurtured through funding and petty patents. India poised for greater innovation with the right policy focus.