India’s R&D funding, breaking down the numbers

Context: The announcement in the interim Budget for 2024-25 of a substantial corpus aimed at enhancing the research and innovation ecosystem in India has generated optimism within the scientific and research communities. This move, coupled with the rebranding of the slogan 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan' to 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan' underscores the government's commitment to prioritize research and innovation for national development.

Investment in R&D:

• Increase in GERD: India has witnessed a notable increase in Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) over the past decade, reaching Rs 12,73,810 million in 2020-21.
• Low: However, despite this growth, India's R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP remains relatively low compared to major economies like China, Germany, and the United States.
• The bulk of India's R&D investment originates from the government sector, with significant allocations directed towards key scientific agencies such as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Department of Space.

Research Output and Innovation:

• Significant output: Despite India's lower R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP, the country has emerged as a significant producer of academic talent and research output.
• Higher rank: Annually, India produces a substantial number of PhDs, ranking third globally after the United States and China.
• Good performance: Additionally, India demonstrates commendable performance in terms of research publications and patent grants, highlighting its robust research ecosystem and potential for further growth in innovation and intellectual property creation.