Syllabus: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment
Launch and Context
- PM Modi launched ₹1 Lakh Crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme at ESTIC 2025 in New Delhi.
Scheme Details
- Outlay: Rs 1 lakh crore over 6 years; Rs 20,000 crore allocated for FY 2025-26.
- Funded from Consolidated Fund of India
- Department of Science and Technology (DST) is nodal department for implementation.
Key Objectives
- Encourage private sector to scale up RDI in sunrise domains and sectors relevant for economic security, strategic purpose, self-reliance.
- Finance transformative projects at higher levels of Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) for commercialization.
- Support acquisition of technologies critical or of high strategic importance for national security and development.
- Facilitate Deep-Tech Fund of Funds supporting deep-tech startups and innovation ecosystem development.
Governance
- Governing Board of Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) chaired by Prime Minister provides strategic direction.
India’s R&D Landscape
- R&D expenditure doubled in last decade but remains ~0.7% of GDP; lower than USA (2.8%), China (2.4%).
- Private sector contributes <40% total R&D spending; compared to over 70% in advanced economies showing gap.