Dr. Jitendra Singh Emphasizes Global Thinking
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, has called for a transformative approach to innovation in India, emphasizing the need for a global mindset to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. During the release of NITI Aayog’s report titled “Pathways to Progress: Analysis and Insights into India’s Innovation Story,” he highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government and private sectors. Dr. Singh pointed out that breaking mental barriers and adopting global benchmarks are essential for aligning India’s innovation capacity with its ambitious goals.
Collaboration for Innovation
In his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh stressed the significance of fostering early industry partnerships to ensure the success of startups. He cited India’s vaccine development as a prime example, where collaboration with private companies from the outset led to timely and large-scale production. This model, he argued, should be replicated across various sectors to enhance the startup ecosystem in India. The Minister noted that India has made remarkable progress in the Global Innovation Index, climbing from 81st in 2015 to a projected 39th in 2025. This achievement, he stated, is a result of strategic policy decisions, investments in entrepreneurship, and the innovative spirit of the nation’s youth.
The current landscape of India’s startup ecosystem is vibrant, with over 100 unicorns and more than 100,000 government-recognized startups. Notably, nearly half of these startups are emerging from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, showcasing the democratization of entrepreneurship and the inclusive nature of India’s innovation narrative. This trend reflects a broader shift towards empowering diverse regions and communities to contribute to the country’s economic growth.
Addressing Challenges in Innovation
Despite the progress, Dr. Singh acknowledged several persistent challenges that hinder innovation in India. He pointed out the lack of synergy among institutions, the need for patient capital for deep-tech ventures, and the weak linkages between academia and industry. Additionally, he highlighted the uneven capacities for innovation across different states and the gaps in intellectual property protection and commercialization.
To tackle these issues, Dr. Singh proposed the establishment of specialized interfaces similar to BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) and IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre) in other critical technology areas. These platforms are essential for fostering collaboration between the government and private sectors, enabling a more cohesive approach to innovation.
Government Initiatives for Frontier Technologies
Dr. Singh emphasized that government initiatives, such as the National Deep Tech Startup Policy and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), represent a significant shift towards building sovereignty in frontier technologies. These initiatives aim to encourage risk-taking, creativity, and collaboration, positioning India not just as a consumer of global technologies but as a producer and leader in innovation.
Looking forward, Dr. Singh asserted that achieving India’s innovation goals requires a collective effort from all sectors of society. He called for a “whole-of-nation” approach, where the government provides an enabling framework, industry contributes scale and investment, academia drives knowledge creation, and young innovators bring energy and creativity. This collaborative effort is crucial for transforming aspirations into tangible achievements and realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The release event was attended by several key figures, including Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Member of NITI Aayog, and other prominent officials from various departments, underscoring the importance of this initiative in shaping India’s future innovation landscape.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
