Parliament Q&A: Expenditure on Research and Development in India
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
The Department of Science and Technology released the latest Research and Development Statistics 2025-26, showing a rise in Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) to 0.84% of GDP in 2023-24. The government also announced a ₹1 lakh crore R&D Innovation Fund and highlighted India's improved rank in the Global Innovation Index.
Background
India's R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP has historically been low compared to global leaders. The government has been taking steps to boost investment through budget increases, national missions, and policy frameworks.
Key facts
Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) increased from ₹1,32,567 crore in 2019-20 to ₹2,44,768 crore in 2023-24.
GERD as a percentage of GDP rose from 0.66% (2019-20) to 0.84% (2023-24).
Private sector R&D expenditure surpassed government sector in 2023-24: ₹1,26,907 crore vs ₹1,17,861 crore.
Government sector includes central ministries, state S&T institutions, state agricultural universities, PSUs, and public higher education institutions.
Private sector includes private industries, SIROs, and private higher education institutions.
A ₹1 lakh crore R&D Innovation Fund launched to support high-risk strategic research led by private sector.
Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) established with ₹14,000 crore budget provision.
National missions launched: National Quantum Mission (₹6,003.65 crore), National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (₹3,660 crore), Indian Semiconductor Mission (₹76,000 crore), and National Supercomputing Mission.
India's Global Innovation Index rank improved from 46th (2021) to 38th (2025).
India shows high innovation efficiency, converting inputs into tangible outcomes better than expected.
Prelims pointers
- GERD: Gross Expenditure on Research and Development
- ANRF: Anusandhan National Research Foundation
- NIDHI: National Innovation Development and Harnessing Initiative
- BIRAC: Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council
- iDEX: Innovations for Defence Excellence
- TIDE 2.0: Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs
- BioE3 Policy: Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment
- GII: Global Innovation Index by WIPO
- National Quantum Mission: ₹6,003.65 crore
- Indian Semiconductor Mission: ₹76,000 crore
Mains angles
- Discuss the trends in India's R&D expenditure and its implications for economic growth and technological self-reliance.
- Critically examine the effectiveness of government initiatives like ANRF and R&D Innovation Fund in boosting private sector participation in R&D.
- Analyze India's performance in the Global Innovation Index and suggest measures to improve innovation outcomes.
- Evaluate the role of national missions (Quantum, Cyber-Physical Systems, Semiconductor) in advancing India's strategic technologies.