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Tech-Driven Innovation Key to India's Economic Growth: Jitendra Singh

Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated that technology-driven innovation is crucial for India's economic growth, with the Department of Science and Technology playing a pivotal role over the past decade. He emphasized moving science from laboratories to markets and from ideas to impact, integrating research with economic outcomes. The minister highlighted the transformation of India's science landscape, including opening the space sector to private participation and the rapid growth of the startup ecosystem from a few hundred to over 2 lakh. He called for deeper collaboration between government, academia, and industry to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and achieve global leadership.

Key Points: Tech Innovation Driving India's Economic Growth: Minister

  • DST playing key role in India's economic growth
  • Science moving from labs to markets
  • Space sector opened to private participation
  • Startup ecosystem grew from few hundred to over 2 lakhs
2 min read

Technology-driven innovation key to India's economic growth: Jitendra Singh

Union Minister Jitendra Singh says technology-driven innovation is key to India's economic growth, highlighting DST's role and startup ecosystem expansion.

"India's science and technology landscape has undergone a decisive transformation - Jitendra Singh"

New Delhi, May 4

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Monday said technology-driven innovation led by the Department of Science and Technology over the past decade is playing a key role in driving India's economic growth, with its contribution expanding from research to industry, startups and national development.

Addressing the 56th Foundation Day of DST at the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) Auditorium in New Delhi, the Minister said science must now move "from laboratories to markets and from ideas to impact," reflecting a policy direction that integrates research with economic outcomes.

He said, "India's science and technology landscape has undergone a decisive transformation over the past decade, supported by policy decisions that opened sectors such as space and nuclear energy to private participation," creating new opportunities for startups and industry.

Referring to developments in the space sector, Singh said that opening it to private players has led to a surge in startup-driven innovation, with capabilities emerging in areas such as satellite technologies, contributing to both economic growth and national preparedness.

The Minister stressed that no country can advance in science without collaboration between government, academia and industry, calling for deeper partnerships to strengthen the innovation ecosystem. He also highlighted the importance of indigenous research, noting that India is increasingly developing its own technologies across sectors, including pharmaceuticals.

Singh said, "India's global scientific standing has also strengthened significantly, with a growing share of highly cited research publications, reflecting both quality and impact. He pointed to the expansion of India's startup ecosystem, from a few hundred a decade ago to over two lakhs today, as evidence of a rapidly maturing innovation landscape."

He also underlined the need for scientific institutions to communicate their achievements effectively and engage with stakeholders to ensure wider societal impact.

Highlighting administrative reforms, the Minister referred to efforts aimed at improving efficiency, including restructuring legacy systems and promoting decentralised decision-making.

Earlier, Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Kumar Sood emphasised aligning research with technology development and commercialisation, while DST Secretary Abhay Karandikar highlighted initiatives such as the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, RDI Fund and National Quantum Mission to strengthen India's science ecosystem.

Singh expressed confidence that sustained reforms and stakeholder participation will enable India's science and technology ecosystem to play a defining role in the country's economic growth and global leadership.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Ramesh W
Opening space to private players is a bold step. We're seeing small satellite startups like Pixxel and Agnikul emerge. But let's not forget - basic research funding must also increase. Not everything needs immediate commercial application. The quantum mission is a good example of long-term thinking.
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Jessica F
As someone who works in pharma R&D, I can see the benefits of these policies. India's vaccine and drug development capabilities have improved enormously since COVID. But we need better IP protection and faster regulatory approvals to truly compete globally. The Anusandhan Foundation is a start.
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Arun Y
Good intentions but ground reality is different. My cousin runs a small biotech startup - the paperwork to get government grants is still a nightmare. Also, why isn't agriculture technology getting more focus? With climate change affecting crops, we need innovation there. But yes, the direction is correct.
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Lisa P
The mention of collaboration between government, academia and industry is key. I've seen how siloed these sectors are in India compared to the US. Let's hope the administrative reforms actually improve efficiency - we need less bureaucracy, more outcomes. The RDI Fund must be properly monitored.
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Neha E
Very encouraging seeing India's citation impact grow globally. But science communication is the missing piece - how many Indians know about CSIR's work or ISRO's tech spin-offs? We need more science in local languages. Also, what about funding for women scientists? Still very low. 🙏
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