Govt. survey on R&D in India gets weak response from private sector, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The Science and Technology Ministry is postponing the release of its National Science and Technology Survey due to poor response from private R&D firms.
• The survey, initiated in the mid-1990s, assesses domestic expenditure on R&D, GDP share devoted to it, and the number of scientists in India.
• As of September 2025, 73% of government R&D institutions responded, compared to 35% of industry bodies and 9% of multinational companies.
• Approximately 75% of India’s R&D spending is from the public sector, unlike most advanced economies where the private sector contributes the most.

Detailed Insights:

• The biennial survey collects data via detailed questionnaires sent to around 8,000 R&D bodies, both publicly and privately funded, to identify trends in scientific research.
• The survey aims to provide insights into patent generation and how India's research spending compares globally, with data masked to protect firm identities.
• The deadline for the latest survey, launched in December 2024, is likely to be extended to November 30, 2025, with results expected a month later.
• A FICCI workshop was organized to encourage private sector participation, addressing concerns about unclear parameters for defining "research and development spending".
• Industry representatives suggest that India's R&D spending is impressive considering its GDP per capita, cautioning against direct comparisons with industrially advanced nations.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Research and Development (R&D): Activities undertaken to improve existing products and procedures, create new products, and advance scientific or technical knowledge.
• Gross Domestic Product (GDP): The total monetary or market value of all the finished goods and services produced within a country’s borders in a specific time period.
• National Science and Technology Survey: A periodic assessment conducted by the Science and Technology Ministry to evaluate the state of scientific research in India.