It's not enough to overtake another country in GDP rankings. The challenge is to lead in ideas and innovation
India is projected to surpass Japan in nominal GDP as the fourth-largest economy. That is more than just a statistical feat. It is a moment of national pride, but also one of introspection. How do we transform this economic milestone into a sustainable, equitable future? The answer, as history and evidence suggest, lies not just in markets or manpower, but in mastering science.
Historically, nations that led the world economically were also those that led in scientific endeavour. The United States' supremacy in the 20th century wasn't only due to capitalism, but its deep investments in basic and applied science — from the transistor and GPS to the Human Genome Project. China's rapid ascent has been propelled by high-tech ambitions, state-driven R&D, and long-term science planning. Sustainable leadership comes not from momentary success but from robust systems rooted in innovation and openness.
India's growth so far has been powered by services, IT exports, and consumption. These have delivered gains, but do not constitute the deep, durable foundation that a science-driven economy offers. Episodic success in space or pharma isn't enough. We must build an ecosystem where success becomes systemic, not sporadic.
That shift begins with public policy. India currently invests around 0.7 per cent of GDP in R&D — far below the levels of South Korea, Israel, or China. The newly established Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) could be a turning point — if backed by sustained funding, transparent governance, and the right priorities. Basic research, though less visible in the short run, yields far-reaching and longer-lasting economic dividends than applied research. It seeds future technologies, spills across sectors, and fuels cross-border knowledge flows.
Second, science must be embedded in education. Beyond IITs and IISc, we need regional universities to become innovation anchors — collaborating with local industries and solving real-world problems. These institutions remain India's most underleveraged resource for scientific decentralisation. This calls for reform: Autonomy in governance, creative pedagogy, and faculty evaluation metrics that reward mentorship, problem-solving, and community engagement.
Third, India must develop a confident and future-oriented scientific vision. Economic strength alone does not define national stature. It must be accompanied by purpose, planning, and pride in original thinking. Our innovation goals must be tied to our unique needs: Clean water, energy security, equitable healthcare, and sustainable agriculture. These challenges are not constraints — they are opportunities to lead in frugal, inclusive innovation.
Fourth, we must upgrade our industrial strategy. In 2022, high-tech sectors accounted for less than 10 per cent of Indian manufacturing, compared to 30 per cent in South Korea. To rise further, India must foster world-class innovation by building domestic technology clusters — integrating labs, startups, manufacturers, and training institutes, and enabling them with shared infrastructure, IP support, and financing.
Fifth, our research evaluation system must evolve. Patents and citations matter, but they cannot be the sole metrics. We must also assess real-world utility, interdisciplinary reach, and long-term societal impact. Scientific culture must reward risk-taking, embrace failure, and support collaboration across domains and institutions. Innovation is rarely linear — it thrives on detours.
Sixth, we must address population dynamics in a scientific and sensitive manner. Though India's GDP will eventually surpass Japan's, our per capita income remains significantly lower. A stable population base is essential for translating economic growth into individual prosperity. India's total fertility rate is declining, but unevenly across states. A voluntary, rights-based approach — focusing on education for girls, reproductive health services, and awareness of economic opportunities — can help create a more balanced and empowered demographic landscape.
Finally, science must be seen not just as an engine of economic growth, but as a cornerstone of democratic vitality. A society that values curiosity, evidence, and experimentation is better equipped to solve problems, question authority, and nurture a shared sense of purpose. We must build a culture where science is aspirational, inclusive, and woven into everyday life — from classrooms to boardrooms to village labs.
India today stands at a crucial juncture: A rising economic power, but still finding its voice as a scientific leader. To move forward, we must make science not just a policy priority but a national ethos.
It is not enough to overtake another country in GDP rankings. The true challenge is to lead in ideas, discovery, and innovation. That requires making science the backbone of India's growth story — not just for today's headlines, but for tomorrow's generations.
The author is former Director, Agharkar Research Institute, and Visiting Professor, IIT Bombay. Views are personal
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