Setting India on the innovation journey

Innovation has often been an important aspect that distinguishes entities across the world. A business that keeps innovating survives and thrives. A country that inculcates innovation in its society doesn’t only keep the economy roaring but also empowers entrepreneurship and keeps its businesses growing. The developed block of countries and their businesses understood this advantage and continued their innovation journey by attracting the best global minds to their geographies. 

India, in the past few years, has started this journey, and the trajectory of becoming a $10 trillion economy and a developed nation hinges significantly on its transformation to a scientifically advanced country and a global leader in innovation. Government initiatives aimed at fostering creativity in education and incentivising careers in science underscore India’s steadfast commitment towards nurturing its innovation ecosystem. India’s ancient history is full of innovators and researchers who were constantly contributing to research and innovation that has withstood the test of time. 

India’s remarkable rise in the Global Innovation Index (GII), soaring to the 40th position out of 132 countries in 2023, reflects its resolute dedication to promoting innovation. The GII, complemented by the India Innovation Index published by Niti Aayog and the Institute for Competitiveness, also empowers states to measure their innovation-driven progress against global benchmarks.

In a landmark move, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined a bold vision for India’s technological future as she presented the interim Budget 2024. Central to her announcement was the allocation of a substantial Rs 1 trillion corpus to bolster technology research, signalling a transformative leap towards fostering innovation and self-reliance. While the specifics are awaited, the announcement heralds a new era for India’s tech landscape, highlighting the pivotal role of innovation as the cornerstone of national development.