Strategic Innovation Policy for Viksit Bharat: From Adoption to Origination

Indian Express - Opinion · 16 Jun 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · Science and technology Mains · GS3 Science and technology High relevance

India's innovation strategy must shift from technology adoption to origination, focusing on critical IP ownership and global value chain integration to achieve strategic sovereignty and Viksit Bharat goals.

Key points

Strategic Sovereignty in technology is now a national priority, with innovation seen as key to reducing vulnerabilities in trade, security, and diplomacy, directly impacting India's global positioning.

Institutional Architecture for innovation has been strengthened through initiatives like Startup India, IndiaAI Mission, and Semicon India, creating a framework for deep-tech development.

Higher Education Institutions like IITs and IISc are pivotal in nurturing deep-tech talent, supported by the Ministry of Education, aligning with national innovation goals.

[GS3-Economy] India's industrial R&D intensity remains low internationally, necessitating a shift from technology application to origination, focusing on IP ownership and supply-chain control.

Policy-Market Calibration is critical: nascent sectors need policy-driven demand, while mature sectors require industry leadership with policy filling gaps in research and infrastructure.

Strategic Partnerships with like-minded nations, exemplified by the India-France Year of Innovation, are essential for faster frontier technology access without compromising sovereignty.

Large Enterprises must drive innovation by integrating startups and MSMEs into supply chains, investing in R&D, and co-innovating, as seen in Tata Group's semiconductor and AI initiatives.

[GS2-Governance] India's innovation focus must address core socio-economic problems like healthcare, education, and energy security, ensuring inclusive growth and reducing strategic dependencies.

Technology's Double Edge requires careful design to mitigate risks like job disruption and inequality, emphasizing structured reskilling and empathy-driven transitions.

Way Forward: India should prioritize sectors with irreducible domestic demand and strategic exposure, enhance R&D funding, foster industry-academia collaboration, and establish global standards in critical technologies.

Key terms

Deep-Tech

Technologies based on substantial scientific or engineering challenges, such as AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology. For UPSC, this is crucial for GS3 (Science and Technology) and GS2 (Governance), as it underpins India's innovation strategy and economic transformation.

Viksit Bharat

India's vision to become a developed nation by 2047, emphasizing sustainable growth, innovation, and global competitiveness. This aligns with GS2 (Governance) and GS3 (Economy), focusing on policies driving long-term development and strategic autonomy.

Strategic Sovereignty

The ability of a nation to maintain autonomy in critical technology domains, reducing dependencies that could compromise trade, security, or diplomacy. For UPSC, this connects to GS3 (Economy) and GS2 (International Relations), highlighting India's need for self-reliance in sectors like semiconductors, AI, and defence.

IndiaAI Mission

A government initiative to position India as a global leader in artificial intelligence by fostering innovation, research, and deployment. Relevant for GS3 (Science and Technology), it aims to create a robust AI ecosystem through public-private partnerships and ethical frameworks.