Why in News: India accounts for only 2.5% of the most highly cited papers and 2% of top scientists globally, despite aspirations in critical technologies. The need to improve the “ease of doing science” is crucial for national competitiveness.
Context & Challenges:
- Global Scenario: The U.S. and China dominate critical technologies. China, through its Thousand Talents Program, has built a strong research ecosystem and produces more high-impact research than the U.S.
Indian Gaps:
- Absence of supportive ecosystem despite presence in top 20 technologies.
- Weak attraction and retention of global researchers; only 15% of STEM PhDs secure tenure-track jobs in the U.S. compared to 25% decades ago.
- Limited pathways for global academic mobility; fragmented recruitment.
- Inadequate compensation and lack of sustained research funding.
Government Initiatives:
- Establishment of Anusandhan National Research Foundation and ₹1 lakh crore Research & Development Innovation Fund to promote long-term, large-scale, mission-oriented science.
- Proposal for Focused Research Organisations (FROs) on the lines of Urban Data Exchange, embedding talent into national priorities.
- Collaboration successes like IIT Delhi–DRDO milestone in quantum secure communication.
Way Forward:
1. Provide globally competitive salaries by pooling state and industry resources.
2. Institutionalize pathways for global talent with clear tenure and career prospects.
3. Foster FROs as hubs for permanent knowledge, linking indigenous expertise with international talent.
4. Balance strategic autonomy with global cooperation for long-term capability building.
Conclusion:
Without credible pathways for global researchers, India risks losing talent to other nations. Building enduring institutional mechanisms and embedding science in strategic priorities is essential to secure India’s sovereign technological future.
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper 3 – Science & Technology
- Developments in science & technology and their applications.
Practice Question
Q. “India’s future as a technological power depends not only on indigenous research but also on its ability to attract and retain global scientific talent.” Critically analyse in light of recent government initiatives such as the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and Focused Research Organisations (FROs).