Emerging and Critical Technologies for India

India aims to reach a USD 7 trillion economy by 2030, necessitating a focus on advanced technology. In the 2024-2025 budget, the government earmarked 1 lakh crore for R&D, particularly in deep defence tech. They plan to boost R&D in critical areas like Quantum Technologies, AI, Semiconductors, Clean Energy, Green Hydrogen, and Bioeconomy to drive innovation and sustainable growth.

Critical and Emerging Technologies in India

Quantum Technology: Based on quantum mechanics, it enables quantum computers to process information in qubits, offering capabilities like quantum superposition and parallel processing.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI enables computers to perform tasks requiring human-like intelligence, with subsets like Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) facilitating automatic learning from vast data.

Semiconductors: These materials have conductivity between conductors and insulators, with India aiming to bolster its semiconductor industry to reduce dependence on imports.

Clean Energy: Includes renewable sources like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy, vital for reducing emissions and combating climate change.

Green Hydrogen: Produced through electrolysis using renewable energy, green hydrogen has applications in various industries like chemicals, petrochemicals, and steel production.

Bioeconomy: Involves utilizing biological resources and innovation to create sustainable economic opportunities across sectors.

Funding and Government Initiatives

• R&D Funding: India allocates about 0.7% of GDP for R&D, lagging behind global leaders. The government's emphasis on boosting R&D, however, is evident through initiatives like the National Research Foundation.

• Government Initiatives: Programs like iDEX, iCET, National Quantum Mission, and Artificial Intelligence Mission aim to foster innovation and technology development in critical areas.

Challenges and the Way Forward

• Funding Gap: Despite government initiatives, there's a funding gap for R&D in critical technologies.

• Infrastructure and Skill Gap: Developing infrastructure and skilled workforce is crucial for technological advancement.

• Limited Private Sector Involvement: More private sector involvement is needed to drive innovation and R&D.

• International Collaboration and Competition: Managing geopolitical tensions and ensuring access to critical resources amidst global competition are key challenges.

Way Forward: Boost investment in R&D, enhance research infrastructure, adapt regulatory frameworks, clarify intellectual property rights, secure critical raw materials, and promote collaboration and skill development to advance critical and emerging technologies in India.