How innovation in science, technology can pave the way for an Atmanirbhar Bharat

The idea of ​​becoming Atmanirbhar is of primary importance in realizing India’s dream of becoming an economic superpower. However, economic success does not come easy, especially in today’s interconnected world, where each country’s economic prospects are linked to that of other nations.

To realize its true economic potential, India must pay attention to the role science and technology play in nation-building, from farm to factory.

We don’t have to look far to see innovation in science and technology and what kind of impact it will have on the nation. There are two instances that come to mind, one of the incredible feats of spaceflight and the other of the cases of overcoming opportunity and reacting in a crisis.

The first one is from ISRO The 800 crore Mars mission, also known as the Chandrayaan-2 mission, is said to have been built at a lower cost than the Hollywood Interstellar movie.

The other is an imminent pandemic. From Covaxin supplying India with its first indigenous vaccine, to companies collaborating to manufacture masks, PPE kits and produce oxygen concentrators for a population of 1.4 billion, this is an illustration. Collective evidence not only of solidarity but also of scientific strength.

If we can achieve such miraculous results in a crisis, then there is the question of what, under normal circumstances, is stopping us from reaching our true potential.

An idea is the foundation of all economic prosperity, and its re-implementation depends on the efforts of science. Take any product you can think of. Without the latest and progressive scientific technology, it would just be an idea. This brings us to another point. If we really realize the huge role science and technology play, we must increase spending on research and development. According to a study 2 conducted by NITI Aayog and the Competitiveness Institute, India’s R&D spending is the lowest in the world, at $43 per capita. The report goes on to highlight that for India to achieve its goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy, GERD or Total Spending on R&P; India’s D needs to increase to 2% of Total

Domestic products. Here, businesses and governments can work together to increase R&D spending.

Change your mind

Does India need a mindset change? The shift in perception about believing in the power of technology is not only for large projects that attract engineers and companies but also at the grassroots level. This subtle shift in thinking about how we apply science and technology will create tectonic shifts in outcomes.

We need to expand our science and technology reach towards embracing hyper-local innovations. The greatness of combining meta-local innovations and national-level innovations will be the hallmark of a fundamental machine working for the betterment of the nation, to tailor solutions. for a better tomorrow.

(Dr. Richard Lobo, Head, Innovation and CQH- Business Excellence, Tata Chemicals)

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